Candidates hoping to become Loughborough's next member of parliament are to take part in a debate in the town.

Loughborough Chamber of Trade has arranged a business hustings for politicians before the next General Election, which will be held some time before June 1.

Chamber president Paul Fileman invited serving Labour MP Andy Reed and his rivals Liberal Democrat Mike Willis and Tory Nicky Morgan to face each other on February 15.

Mr Willis and Mrs Morgan accepted, but Mr Reed has said he will not be available.

Mr Fileman said: "We are very keen to hear from the people who would represent us and ask candidates about how they could help businesses in the town.

"It is unfortunate Andy Reed cannot make it, but we have decided to press ahead anyway with the other two candidates."

Mr Reed said he had asked to be allowed to speak to chamber of trade members at another meeting.