PARTY politics gets personal this month at Lydbrook's Courtfield Arms. Landlord Tom Moran is throwing a series of "Q&As" with four of the local candidates stepping up to the oche.

"Back in Ireland during General Elections 20 years ago candidates used to come to your door and you could ask them about their politics to their face. In England this doesn't appear to happen," said Tom.

The Q&As came about from political discussion among the regulars at the pub. They were arguing about politics yet not everyone seemed to know which candidate stood for what.

"Some people like Mark Harper but don't like David Cameron, or Labour candidate Bruce Hogan but not Gordon Brown," said Tom.

"This should help people decide who is the better candidate, rather than who you want in government."

The events are being held on four evenings over two weeks from April 20. Each candidate will give a 10-15 minute speech and then it will go to the floor.

"If you want to ask about how they will help Dilke Hospital, or what they will do about local schools you're welcome to ask. Your questions won't be vetted – unlike the TV debates!"

Tom says so far as he knows there are no other pub debates with candidates in the area, but there will be one at Heywood School in Cinderford on April 22.