A QUESTION Time-style event will see panellists ranging from a UKIP candidate to a female vicar and council leaders going head-to-head in Winchcombe next week.

The public grilling has been organised by the Winchcombe Business Forum and is open to any residents from the town and surrounding area.

Seven panellists will be taking to the stage for the question and answer and discussion evening that’s being run on a similar format to the popular BBC television programme.

Chaired by Forum deputy chairman Claire Thayers, a series of searching questions on a wide-range of issues on a local, regional or national perspective will be put to those in the hot seats for their stance and views on the matter.

Steve Meredith, Forum chairman, said: “This should be quite a lively evening aimed at giving both forum members and townspeople the chance to ask any burning questions they may have of any of the panellists.

“It’s the first time the Forum has run a Question Time evening like this, but our deputy chairman has run similar events in other parts of the country with great success.

“We have asked Forum members to send us any questions they may have, but we will also be taking questions from the public and some from the floor during the evening.”

The Question Time evening is due to last about an hour-and-a-half and panellists appearing are: Stuart Adair, Tewkesbury Parliamentary Candidate for UKIP; Reverend Josie Goodwin, from Alderton; Sam Holliday, business development manager, Gloucestershire and the South West, for the Federation of Small Businesses; Councillor Jim Mason, chairman of Winchcombe Town Council, Andy Sanders, Community and Economic Development manager at Tewkesbury Borough Council, Councillor Roger Wilson, (Cons), representing Winchcombe and Woodmancote on Gloucestershire County Council and Stephen Meredith, chairman of Winchcombe Business Forum and a local businessman.

Entry to the evening which is being held at the Methodist Church in the High Street on Thursday January 29 is free to Business Forum members and just £1 for non-forum members.

Numbers are limited so the audience is urged to arrive early to ensure a seat. Doors open at 6.45 pm for a prompt 7pm start.

To reserve a seat email: info@winchcombe.co.uk, or call 01242 602488. Seats can also be booked via The Coventry in the High Street, Winchcombe.