When it was first announced that the General Election would be held in December there was a sudden panic – would school Christmas celebrations have to make way for polling stations?

With many schools providing venues for votes to be cast there were fears that Nativity plays, Christmas concerts and festive parties may have to be rescheduled.

Parents across Cornwall concerned that they might not be able to see their little ones wearing their tea towels on their heads as they play a shepherd in the Christmas story can rest assured their big moment on stage will not be affected by the election.

Cornwall Council, which is responsible for organising the General Election, said that none of the school venues it uses had indicated that their Christmas schedule would be affected.

In a statement the council said: “We’ve been working hard across the council to prepare for the snap General Election, and part of that has involved planning ahead to make provisional bookings at polling stations to make sure they are available.

“So far, we are not aware of any schools that have had to cancel or move a nativity play to allow us to use their premises as a polling station on December 12.”

While there will be no disruption to Nativities there have been concerns raised about the winter election posing issues for those working at polling stations and for people going to vote.

With the December mornings being dark and cold some of those polling stations – including some which are in caravans or other unusual venues – could leave staff a little chilly.

And there are concerns that some people may not want to venture out into the dark or cold to cast their vote.

Among the more interesting locations where people will mark their ballot papers are Caerhays Castle on the Roseland and Paradise Park at Hayle. A portable cabin, kayak store and fire station are also among the many venues that will be used as polling stations on December 12.

There are 442 polling stations across the length and breadth of Cornwall with more than 1,500 people employed to ensure it all goes smoothly.

For anyone not yet registered there is still time with the closing date being Tuesday, November 26.

To find out more go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote