The Westmorland Gazette is to hold a Question Time-style election debate at Kendal next month.

Local people will have the opportunity to quiz all five candidate who have so far stated that they plan to stand in the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency.

On the stage on Thursday, April 16, will be current MP Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat); Dr Ann Myatt for the Conservatives; John Bateson for Labour; Jonathan Stanley (UKIP) and Chris Loynes, representing the Green Party.

The prestigious event will be held at the University Hub at Kendal College's new engineering facility at Milnthorpe Road.

The candidates will be answering questions from the audience and outlining why they believe they are the right person to be elected to represent the constituency on May 7.

The debate will be chaired by Andrew Thomas, Content Editor of The Westmorland Gazette. "This will be a great opportunity for local people to hear the views of all the candidates and to help them make up their minds who to vote for on General Election Day," said Andrew. "It promises to be a lively and fascinating evening."

The event is timed for 6.30pm with the debate due to begin at 7.15pmEntry is free but is by ticket only. There will be seating for 250 people so if you want to attend, please email vicky.goodall@kendal.newsquest.co.uk as soon as possible. Each person can apply for up to two tickets.

The Gazette would like to hear people's suggestions for questions to be put to the candidates. If you plan to attend the event and have a question you would like to ask, please email andrew.thomas@kendal.newsquest.co.uk