MID-Dorset and North Poole’s parliamentary hopefuls took to the stage as they attempted to win precious votes in the hotly-contested battleground.

International aid, education and same-sex marriage were the key issues discussed at Corfe Mullen Baptist Church’s public hustings.

Around 30 residents pulled up a pew to watch Patrick Canavan for Labour, Mark Chivers for the Greens, Vikki Slade for the Lib Dems, Michael Tomlinson for the Conservatives and Richard Turner for UKIP pitch for those all-important votes.

The seat, which was won by retiring Lib Dem Annette Brooke by a mere 269 votes at the last election, has proved to be a prime target by both the Tories and Lib Dems.

And during the hustings both Mrs Slade and Mr Tomlinson were keen to make their mark.

Mrs Slade told the crowd she wanted to follow in Annette’s footsteps and speak up for the “ordinary people”.

“She made me understand you need more ordinary people who lead ordinary lives in politics,” she said.

The mother-of-four also spoke of a need to reform Ofsted so it is not “all about processes”.

“We need to get back to teachers investing in children to learn and teachers being supported to want to teach,” she said.

Mr Tomlinson, a barrister, said he wanted to be an MP so he could “make a difference”.

The father-of-three said he would have opposed same-sex marriages and would have voted against the legislation introduced by the coalition.

Describing himself as “Christian family man” he said there was “adequate protection” for gay couples under the law that legalised civil partnerships.

Mr Canavan, who has more than 20 years experience as a trade union rep, said he would give people a voice and be an “advocate” for the region.

He also called for an end to “unaccountable” academies.

Mr Chivers, who has spent most of his working life in financial services, said more money should be spent on international aid.

The father-of-two said: “We need more investment in fair trade and support people so they can get on their feet."

Mr Turner said he came into politics after seeing Nigel Farage on Question Time.

He said: “He seemed to be the only person making any sense and I thought someone needs to help that guy out.”

The businessman said the “cultural heritage” of the region was something he would fight to protect and called for the UK to spend less money on international aid.