FOUR names are in the ring for next month's police and crime commissioner elections - with two independents running against two party candidates.

Independents Ian Johnston and Chris Wright - both of whom at former police officers - are to run against Labour's Hamish Sandison and the Conservatives' Nick Webb But today's "statement as to persons nominated" omitted mention of former Blaenau Gwent leader Des Hilman and ex-UK government minister Ron Davies.

Both had indicated they were interested in the position and might take part but neither were nominated as candidates.

It is now too late for either of them to join in - with the deadline for nominations having closed at midday today.

But in truth the list of candidates would have come as little surprise to followers of the Gwent campaign so far, with all individuals that had actively campaigned prior to the deadline being nominated.

Candidates had to put up a deposit of £5,000 and collect 100 signatures in support.

According to the statement - which doesn't give precise addresses - Mr Johnston's home address is in the Caerphilly county ward of Penmaen, while Mr Sandison is listed as living at Llangybi in Monmouthshire.

Mr Webb is said to have a home address in Allt-yr-yn in Newport ward while Mr Wright is noted as from Llanbradach in Caerphilly county.

The election, taking place on November 15, will include a new voting system where you can select your first and second preference candidate.

At the count the first preferences will be counted, and if a candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the votes cast they are elected.

If no candidate has more than 50 per cent, all candidates apart from those in the first and second place are eliminated.

Votes for those candidates will then have their second choices added to the other candidates first preference votes.