General Election candidates for the Workington constituency were grilled by the public at a hustings event.

Conservative Clark Vasey, Liberal Democrat Phill Roberts, Independent Roy Ivinson and Labour's Sue Hayman gathered at St John's Church, Workington, this evening.

Candidates were questioned on subjects including health services, school funding, pensions, Brexit and the environment.

Mr Ivinson said: “The NHS isn't short of money, it's short of healthy patients. If the populous kept themselves healthy and stopped consuming food that made them ill there wouldn't be a cost pressure.”

He added he wanted to impose a tax on businesses producing food that causes type two diabetes and tobacco companies.

Mr Roberts said the Government had left the NHS in the hands of bureaucrats.

He added: “Politicians need to stand up and be accountable for the NHS, leaving it in the hands of bureaucrats in completely wrong.”

Mr Vasey said: “I'm determined to be the strong voice the area needs making sure we all get the services we need. Services should be delivered in the way the community works.”

Mrs Hayman said the NHS had been left in crisis under the Conservative Government.

She said: “Our hospitals just haven't got the money to do what they need to do.

“There has been a review of our services and that was the Success Regime. People were so offended by its findings they campaigned and gathered signatures for a petition.”

She added the Labour Party would give mental health the same importance as physical health.

Candidates were also asked how they would support education.

Mr Roberts said the Liberal Democrats would increase pupil premium funding from £300 per child to £1,000 per pupil.

Mr Vasey said no local school would see their budget cut by a Conservative Government.

He added: “We have increased funding in the schools over the lifetime of this Government.”

Mrs Hayman said the Labour Party proposed a to give an extra £500 funding per pupil.

Mr Ivinson said competition should be introduced in the education system and the Government should give contracts to run schools only to successful school administrations.

George Kemp, Ukip candidate, could not attend, but the Archdeacon of West Cumberland the Ven Dr Richard Pratt, chairing the meeting,read a statement sent by him.

The statement said Mr Kemp's campaign was focused on local issues such as opposing cuts to the NHS and supporting the nuclear industry.

Mr Kemp described himself as a real Brexit supporter and added he wanted to scrap the HS2 project and redirect the funding into upgrading rail and road transport links in the country.