VOTERS will take to the polls today to decide whether Britain stays in or leaves the European Union.

A high turnout is expected for the EU Referendum, the culmination of weeks of campaigning, leafleting, local talks and televised debates.

In South Gloucestershire, the result is not expected until between 5am and 6am on Friday.

The official figures for the district will be announced at the count being held at Thornbury Leisure Centre when the counting officer will send the results to the national count in Manchester.

The country’s decision on Europe will be announced as soon as all regions have confirmed their results on Friday morning.

Ahead of the referendum, school pupils in Yate have held their own vote on how they feel about the EU.

In total, 603 students at Yate International Academy and Woodlands Primary Phase took part in the vote with 59 per cent opting to remain in the EU.

Assistant principal Natalie Wilcox, who organised the referendum, said: “Students were extremely engaged in the whole process and many were very vocal in their views.

“One tutor came to speak to me to ask if I was happy for her Year 10 tutor group to write to David Cameron to express their frustration at not being allowed to vote in the referendum.

"They felt very strongly that the outcome of Thursday’s vote had far more of an effect on their futures than on the futures of their parents and grandparents.”

Their result will be announced at the academy today (June 23).

Added Ms Wilcox: “Many of them are now keen to stay up and watch the results as they come and I am thrilled that this topic has sparked an interest in politics and in the effect that this decision will have on this community.

“I am extremely proud of the discussions that have taken place and I hope that students have taken their thoughts home to their families and that this has prompted debate over dinner.

“We often talk to students about the phrase “I wish or I’m glad” which we link to exam results. When they open their exam results we want them to be glad that they worked really hard rather than wishing that they had put it more effort.

"I want them to use this phrase when talking to their families; I’m glad I used my vote, rather than I wish that I had.”

Follow our coverage of the national EU referendum tonight online.