Eight candidates fighting for Telford and Wrekin seats will come face to face for the first time since the general election was called at a special question and answer session in Oakengates next week.

The debate, organised by Telford and Wrekin Senior Citizens Forum, is for residents aged over 55 and will give them the chance to quiz candidates at the first event of its kind in the county.

With the so-called “grey vote” increasingly important, the two sitting MPs as well as prospective parliamentary candidates for both Telford and Wrekin seats will be attending.

Four political parties – Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and UKIP – will be represented at Monday’s event.

Senior Citizens Forum co-ordinator Anne-Marie Davies said: “It will be the first time that all these candidates will be in the same room together since the election was called.

“It will also be the first time many of them will have the chance to put across their views and for people to hear what they have to say.

“Each candidate will be given five minutes to speak and there will be a maximum time of 10 minutes per party to talk exclusively about what they will do for old people.

She added: “After that there will be the chance to ask questions. It is a great opportunity to get answers to issues that affect older people living in Telford and Wrekin.

“It is important that the parties remember how vital it is to take into account the voice of the older person, and this will give the candidates the opportunity to meet and get the views of the more senior members of the borough.”

The event takes place on Monday at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place, running from 10am to noon.

The doors will be open from 9.30am and tea, coffee and biscuits will be served before the event starts.

For more information, or to join the Senior Citizens Forum, telephone (01952) 211410.

In attendance will be: Mark Pritchard (Con), Tom Biggins (Con) David Wright (Lab), Paul Kalinauckas (Lab), Phillip Bennion (Lib Dem), David Murray (Lib Dem), Denis Allen (UKIP) and Malcolm Hurst (UKIP).