YOUNG people across South Gloucestershire are getting the chance to question their parliamentary candidates and make an informed decision when they head to the polls.

The special hustings event will be taking place at Turnberrie’s Community Centre, in Thornbury, on Thursday, May 25, from 6pm to 7.30pm, with young people and youth groups from across the county being encouraged to come and take part.

All four candidates for Thornbury and Yate, Conservative Luke Hall, Lib Dem Claire Young, Labour's Brian Mead and Green Party candidate Iain Hamilton, will be present to discuss a range of issues relating to the younger members of the community including education, housing support and affordable housing for young people and living wage for 25s.

Most of those attending the event organised by Creative Youth Network will be first time voters, but anyone below 25, even those not old enough to vote, are welcome to come along and take part.

"A big thank you to all our candidates for agreeing to come along and speak to us," said Sandy Hore-Ruthven, from Creative Youth Network. "It will give the young people in the area a better idea of what is going on in the area come June 8.

"With the general election only a few weeks away, we wanted to make sure that young people are more aware of the issues that affect them.

"So many choose not to vote, either because they don't know how to register, or aren't interested, the voices of that generation will often go unheard.

"This has shown with many more services that help them getting cut compared to those that support the elderly or other age groups."

The Gazette will also be covering the event with a live blog for those unable to attend to follow.

People can turn up on the night, but for more information, or to book a place, email info@creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk or call 0117 947 7948.