A QUESTION Time-style event is being held to give people the chance to quiz community leaders about Darlington's forthcoming mayoral referendum.

The Northern Echo has organised the hustings session on Friday, September 21, at 7.30pm which will feature representatives from the both the Yes and No campaigns.

Already confirmed on the panel is the elected mayor of Middlesbrough Ray Mallon and other members will be announced in due course.

The debate will be chaired by editor Peter Barron and will give people the chance to voice their concerns and pose questions to the various parties involved in the referendum.

Mr Barron said: "The referendum is a hugely important issue for Darlington and we want people to be given the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about how it will affect them.

"We hope as many people as possible will be able to attend."

The referendum for an elected mayor will take place on September 27.

It was triggered after a petition of more than 4,700 signatures was handed to the council demanding a referendum for an elected mayor.

Although the petition was 79 signatures short of the five per cent of the electorate needed for a referendum, the council agreed in March that it was close enough to merit a public vote.

The petition was organised by a campaign group of disaffected residents who were angry at a number of recent council decisions including the Pedestrian Heart scheme, the Tesco proposal and the proposed merger of Hurworth and Eastbourne schools.

If people vote for an elected mayor in the referendum an election will be held in May 2008.

After consultation with the public it was decided that if there is a mayor it will be with a cabinet appointed by him or her, rather than with a council manager - an unelected officer appointed by the council.

Over the coming weeks The Northern Echo will be running a series of articles focusing on different aspects of the mayoral referendum.

Tickets for the event are free and can be reserved by calling Carol Bellinger on 01325-505283.