An army of volunteers is being sought to help carry out the census in Bradford.

People are required to assist others filling in the form – a legal requirement with even the Queen not exempt.

In Bradford, census staff want to hear from anyone who can volunteer their time, but particularly those who can help reach older people, or can speak languages other than English.

The census, taken in the UK every ten years, will be carried out on March 27. It can be filled out in paper form, or, for the first time in its history, online.

It is used to count the population, and asks questions to help organisations plan, fund and deliver everyday services, including housing, education, healthcare and transport.

As well as volunteers, 380 paid census collector jobs are on offer throughout Bradford and Calderdale.

Martin Day, census area manager for Bradford, said: “We are in a time now where the budgets are going to be slashed and a lot of funding is dependent on census statistics, for community groups and so on.

“We need volunteers who are willing to help people to fill in the form, or people who have a community room we could use, and people who speak different languages.”

Bushra Javed, a census community adviser, covering Bradford and Leeds, said: “It’s basically telling people about the census, explaining in their language what it is, why it is important to fill it in, and letting them know it is confidential. Speaking to someone from their community makes people feel a bit more at ease.”

Anyone who wants any information about volunteering opportunities can e-mail Mr Day at d104@census.gov.uk. For information about census collector roles, visit censusjobs.co.uk.