ELECTION hustings in Winchester look unlikely to happen this time.

The traditional General Election hustings at a Winchester city centre church will not take place this time and an event at Peter Symonds College was also cancelled.

The United Church on Jewry Street has provided the forum for the debate involving the candidates.

Dorothy Lusmore, secretary of Churches Together in Winchester, said a decision had been taken not to host the event.

"The decision not to go ahead this time was not taken lightly. Some of the reasons are the shortness of time to arrange it, and the co-ordination and availability of candidates and questions, also, if we could arrange all this efficiently it would have been past the deadline for postal votes.

"We are sorry it could not be done this time as we are appreciative of the support and success of previous events."

The event for students at Symonds was called of on Wednesday in the wake of the Manchester atrocity.

A college spokeswoman said today: "The three main political parties all suspended campaigning (including local activity) as a result of the terrorist attack in Manchester on Monday, and therefore withdrew from the event.

"With half term and study leave looming there is not another opportunity to reschedule before the General Election, such a shame."