CANDIDATES set to battle it out for the Wyre Forest seat at next Thursday's General Election have appeared together in public for the first time.

Five of the six election hopefuls answered questions on topics as diverse as abortion, the European Union and immigration at Bewdley Baptist Church on Sunday night.

Thirteen questions were put to the candidates by audience members.

Debate ranged between strong disagreement - especially between Labour's Marc Bayliss and the Conservatives' Mark Garnier - and consensus over national and local topics.

Health Concern's Dr Richard Taylor sought re-election by urging voters to support "an independent who can vote on each issue, unrelated to the party whip".

The most dramatic moment of the night came between former TV chef Rustie Lee, who is standing for the UK Independence Party, and the Liberal Party's Fran Oborski.

The UKIP candidate spoke out as Mrs Oborski praised the work of the EU in preserving world peace.

"I wasn't so rude as to interrupt," said the Liberal candidate, as the church's pastor, Keith Judson, moved to cool the argument.

Mrs Lee, however, brought most of the humour to the evening. The former TVAM chef prompted huge laughs when all candidates denounced the behaviour of some MPs in Parliament.

"It is all part of our Britishness, which is unique and I love it," she said.

Health and education were major talking points, along with one of the election's biggest issues, immigration.

Mr Garnier said there was an "influx of people who are not genuine refugees" while Mr Bayliss attacked the Conservatives for the "absolutely deplorable" criticism of gipsies.

Wyre Forest issues also came to the fore. Mrs Oborski said she would fight to run a rail service between Kidderminster and Bewdley and backed other candidates' calls to create jobs at the former British Sugar site in Kidderminster.

While candidates' arguments for the cut-off point for abortion ranged between 20 weeks and 12 weeks, there was agreement that attitudes to sex had to change.

Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidate, Bert Priest, was unable to take part in the debate, due to other party commitments.

Another debate between candidates is set to take place this weekend. At least four contenders have agreed to attend the event, at Trinity Methodist Church, Churchfields in Kiddermin-ster, at 8pm on Sunday.

The meeting, organised by Churches Together in Kidderminster, will be chaired by Rev Canon Mick Barker.

It is intended to raise awareness of important issues during the General Election campaign. Anyone is welcome to attend and questions should be submitted in writing.

Mr Barker said: "We want to give people the chance to put questions to their candidates about the issues that concern them. We are not seeking to endorse particular candidates, policies or parties but to provide an open forum which will assist people who want to vote in an informed way."

For more details call 01562 822131.