A MAJOR political debate will be staged and recorded by the BBC at Malmesbury Abbey two weeks before the General Election.

A big crowd is expected at the constituency’s best known building when contenders for the North Wiltshire seat discuss the major local and national issues of the day and face questions from the public.

BBC Wiltshire and Malmesbury Abbey are now inviting the public to be part of the audience for what promises to be a lively debate between the main candidates.

It takes place at 7.30pm on Friday, April 24 and will be chaired by former political editor of Channel 4 News Elinor Goodman.

BBC Wiltshire will be recording the discussion for broadcast on the radio station and on-line.

The Vicar of Malmesbury Abbey, the Rev Canon Neill Archer, who will introduce the evening, said: “Sometimes I get the feeling that politicians are answering questions that nobody is actually asking.

“So I am delighted that the abbey is working with BBC Wiltshire on a debate that allows local people to put questions directly to those who seek to represent them.”

Demand for tickets is expected to be high, so the organisers are urging anyone who wishes to attend to sign up now.

Application forms are available at bbc.co.uk/bbcwiltshire and click on the BBC Election icon. They are also available at Malmesbury Abbey until April 41.