Adam GrettonCampaigning for the South Norfolk seat will step up a gear from next week when voters will get the chance to quiz candidates at a series of public debates.Adam Gretton

Campaigning for the South Norfolk seat will step up a gear from next week when voters will get the chance to quiz candidates at a series of public debates.

The main contenders for the constituency have confirmed their attendance at the first hustings event that will take place at Hempnall Village Hall on Monday night.

The Any Questions evening, which has been organised by the local church, comes as the Liberal Democrat candidate, Jacky Howe, this week predicted a close result.

The Lib Dems are on a high following the party's boost in the national polls after Nick Clegg's performance in the first televised leaders' debate. Local supporters are feeling more optimistic that Jacky Howe could make history and become South Norfolk's first Liberal Democrat MP.

Conservative Richard Bacon stands in her way, who is looking to claim his third term in parliament after a more than 8,000 majority at the 2005 general election.

Voters will get a chance to hear what each parliamentary candidate has got to say from 7.30pm on Monday at Hempnall Village Hall.

Debates will also take place at Framingham Earl High School on Thursday night and the candidates will be speaking with students at Langley School, near Loddon, on Friday morning.

All candidates have been busy canvassing at the many villages across the constituency this week, which has also seen Mr Bacon, right, speaking at a WI meeting in Mattishall.

CONSERVATIVE: Richard Bacon.