A BEWDLEY version of Question Time put local politicians and experts on the spot while raising more than £1,000 for extension to a local church.

Margaret Hill, of the Holy Family Catholic Church, organised the event at St George’s Hall to raise funds to add disabled access and toilets onto the Grade II listed building.

During the event, well-known Bewdley resident John Iles fulfilled the David Dimbleby role by chairing the discussions of the evening which featured a panel of Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier, Labour parliamentary candidate Dr Matthew Lamb, archaeologist Dr Suzi Richer, editor of The Shuttle Paul Walker and former chief constable of the West Midlands Paul West.

Members of the audience questioned the high-powered panel on a variety of topical issues and concerns which included education, Britain’s position in the European Union, cuts to the armed forces, euthanasia, and the Scottish referendum.

Mrs Hill said: “It was an extremely successful evening and I cannot thank the panel enough for their contributions.

“Each member was excellent and gave very good answers to all the questions posed to them.

“There were almost 80 people in the audience which was above out expectations.”