THE first debate between the candidates at one of the region's closest election contests was held today. (Friday)

All five candidates for the Stockton South constituency, which Conservative James Wharton won by just 332 votes over Labour last time, went to Yarm School to debate issues ranging from international affairs to the recent Yarm for Yorkshire poll.

The Question Time-style event was held in the private school's 750-seat Princess Alexandra Auditorium where Sixth Form students had the chance to quiz the candidates.

One of the most interesting questions was; 'what policy do you most disagree with from your own party?'

Mr Wharton said his party should take a stronger line against Russian president Vladimir Putin while Labour candidate, Louise Baldock said she had opposed the Iraq war.

Green candidate Jacqui Lovell, who has seven children, said she opposed her party's policy on children not starting school until the age of seven while Liberal Democrat, Drew Durning, said he had opposed his party's decision to impose £9,000 tuition fees on students. Ted Strike, Ukip, said he was against his leader Nigel Farage's statement that he wanted to bring back fox-hunting.

Another question was about the two recent polls held in Thornaby and Yarm in which the public who voted said they wanted to leave Stockton Borough Council. Both Mr Wharton and Ms Baldock pointed out various complications but that the people's voice should be ultimately be heard.

Afterwards student Hannah Taylor, 18, of Northallerton said she thought Mr Wharton won the debate. She said: "I thought he spoke well, while Louise didn't seem a natural speaker."

Nick De Jong, 18, of Middleton St George, near Darlington, said Ms Lovell was best but argued Ms Baldock came second in the debate.