A DEBATE over the EU referendum is taking place in Worcestershire next month - featuring two key political rivals.

Conservative Nigel Huddleston, the MP for Mid-Worcestershire, has agreed to take on a prominent UKIP activist in a county village hall.

Richard Keel, who stood against him at last year's General Election, will be telling the audience why Britain should back a 'Brexit' in a Q&A.

Just days after David Cameron announced that an in/out referendum will take place this June, Mr Huddleston laid his cards on the table by firmly backing the 'remain' camp.

The UK Independence Party is at the forefront of the opposing point of view, saying the nation has one chance to get out of the union.

Both of them say they are keen for people to hear both sides of the argument in the run-up to the biggest decision British voters face in a generation.

They also say they hope the event will be an antidote to some of the "aggressive" campaigning already in full swung from either side across the UK.

Mr Huddleston said: "I want my constituents to hear both sides of the argument in the run up to this important referendum.

"This is why I will be taking part in this discussion.

"The event is not intended to be a shouting match or antagonistic debate, but a civil and informative discussion.

"I hope it will be particularly useful for those who are undecided in helping them make up their mind."

Mr Keel, who lives in Grafton Flyford and runs his own rural construction business, came second in last year's General Election after getting more than 9,000 votes.

He said: "With the recent, sometimes aggressive campaigning from both sides I would like to have a constructive discussion enabling people to share their views on whether remaining in or leaving the EU is best for the UK."

The event will take place at Peopleton Village Hall, near Pershore, on Friday May 13 from 7pm.

Both of them will state their cases before people are invited to ask questions with the audience.

No tickets are needed to attend, with Mr Huddleston saying it will be open to everyone.

The EU in/out referendum will take place on June 23.