Ceredigion has been chosen to help ensure the overall success of the 2021 Census with a rehearsal taking place across the county later this year.

The rehearsal will enable the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to test some of the systems and processes it has put in place ahead of the digital-first 2021 Census.

The coastal county has been chosen as it has a high proportion of Welsh speakers, and includes a large rural area with varying internet coverage.

Tower Hamlets and Hackney in London and Carlisle in Cumbria will also be taking part.

People in each of the chosen areas will be asked to complete a questionnaire about those living in their household on 13 October 2019.

The rehearsal will be online, with help for those who need it. Residents will be invited to take part later this year.

Director of census operations, Pete Benton, said:

“The census helps inform vital public services such as the number of children’s school places, hospital and GP services and social care provision in local areas.

“As the census only takes place every ten years it is important we hold an operational rehearsal to ensure that all our processes run smoothly.

“The people who take part will all be helping to ensure the overall success of the 2021 Census.”