THE first in a series of Question Time-style debates takes place on Tuesday night to discuss a range of issues important to Darlington residents.

Four panellists from across the North-East will face questions from an open audience.

The event, which takes place at Darlington Lingfield Point's business estate, could be the first of many this year.

Nearly 100 people have already signed up for tonight's event but tickets are still available.

Those attending will be able to field questions to the panel on issues that they feel are important.

Just like the format of BBC's Question Time, the panel will have no knowledge of the questions beforehand.

This month's event will feature four speakers from the town's and region's business community. The inaugural event is titled The Economic Future of Darlington - Dynamism or Decline.

The panellists are Alastair Thomson, John Orchard, Pat Ritchie and Alasdair MacConachie.

Taking the role of chairman will be The Northern Echo's editor Peter Barron.

Darlington Partnership and Lingfield Point business park are supporting the event, with the event taking place at the business park's Meadow development.

Organisers hope that if the event proves to be a success that more debates could take place throughout the year, which includes May's General Election.

Last year, Lingfield Point hosted a similar event to discuss the budget.

John Orchard, director of Marchday, owners of Lingfield Point said: "Marchday has owned Lingfield Point for more than ten years and in that time we have got to know Darlington well and consider it a great place to do business.

"We are delighted to be working with the Darlington Partnership to support this debate.

"The economic future of the town affects everyone who lives, works or runs a business in Darlington and we would encourage people to come along and air their views on how we can work together to ensure future success."

For ticket information contact 0845-888-7070.

THE PANEL

Panel chairman Peter Barron has been the editor of The Northern Echo for 11 years having initially joined the paper in 1984. He also served as editor of the Hartlepool Mail for one year.

John Orchard is the director of Marchday plc, owners of Lingfield Point. He has driven forward the Lingfield Point development turning it into one of the region's premier business parks and at the same time opening art space on the estate.

Alastair Thomson is the dean of Teesside University Business School and the former managing director of a number of companies, including printing firm Watmoughs Group, advertising group Outside the Box plc, Loop Customer Management and business consultants Mint Services Ltd.

Pat Ritchie is the North-East regional director of the Homes and Communities Agency. She has also held the position of assistant chief executive of strategy at One North East and has worked in economic development within Newcastle and Sunderland city councils.

Alasdair MacConachie is managing director of Darlington motor dealership Sherwoods, the annual turnover of which he has helped to grow from £6m to £45m. He is also chairman of Darlington Partnership and vice Lord Lieutenant for County Durham.