MORE than 200 people packed into Ludlow School for a General Election hustings on Tuesday evening.
Five of the six candidates took part in the event, which was organised by the Churches Together of Ludlow.
Philip Dunne, who is hoping to be returned for the Conservatives, Heather Kidd, the Liberal Democrat candidate, and Anthony Hunt, for Labour, were joined by former MP Christopher Gill, standing for the UK Independence Party, and Jacqui Morrish, of the Green Party.
A traditional hustings offers the prospect of the cut and thrust of public debate but with the questions pre-selected, little opportunity for audience participation and each speaker politely answering questions in turn, the atmosphere was more drawing room than boxing ring.
The environment dominated the exchanges with hardly a question related to issues such as the economy or public services.
All of the candidates were in agreement about the need for a better deal for rural areas.
Christina Evans, of the BNP, was scheduled to take part but did not turn up for the event.
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