TWO of the candidates in the upcoming general election were given a grilling by pupils at a pre-election hustings event.

The event, held at Dyson Perrins CofE Academy, saw Harriett Baldwin and Beverley Nielsen face an hour of questions written by pupils.

Labour’s Samantha Charles had been due to be at the event, but she was not there due to an over-running hospital appointment.

Questions ranged from healthcare and transport to the environment and the economy.

Pupils of all ages asked questions, and students from Malvern College were also invited to the event.

On the subject of Britain leaving the European Union, Conservative candidate Mrs Baldwin said: “I think, when we look back in 30 years time, we will see minor changes to our trading relationships.

“I don’t think Brexit, looking back, is going to look like that much of a change.”

Mrs Nielsen, for the Liberal Democrats, said: “I think it (Brexit) could have quite a big impact.

“I grew up in Ireland, having been born in Malvern, and I remember when the Troubles were just getting started.

“After the Good Friday Agreement was signed, we did not think we would get a border in Ireland but now we will have two.

“It is not going to be ‘relatively straightforward’ and our great entrepreneurs and business people in the West Midlands are concerned about any friction and the West Midlands is going to be one of the worst affected.”

Further questions came about how the Liberal Democrats could “repair the trust damaged by going into coalition” and “where is the money coming from for the Lib Dem promises?”

After the hour of questions was up, Mrs Baldwin said: “Thank you all for coming, and when you are old enough to vote, make sure you vote.”