THE local elections may be over - but this pub landlord is already gearing up for the big EU referendum with a series of 'hustings-style' debates in his boozer.

Whether you are in, out or still undecided people across Worcestershire are being urged to visit Worcester's Cap 'N' Gown next week for the first of seven lively debates running all the way to June.

The pub, in Upper Tything, gained a national reputation at last year's General Election for being the first across Britain to stage 10 weekly hustings events.

Now it's finalised a detailed plan to get people talking about the European Union by doing the same thing.

The pub's first weekly EU debate will start from 8pm this coming Thursday, May 12 and will be chaired by Lord Faulkner of Worcester, who says he wants a genuine conversation to develop.

"Ted Marshall must be congratulated for his initiative in organising EU hustings at the pub," he said.

"The debates he arranged in the run up to last May’s general election were astonishingly successful and became not-to-be missed events - an essential ingredient indeed in Worcester’s election campaigning.

"I'm very honoured to have been invited to chair this latest exercise in democracy and free speech."

Lord Faulkner takes the Labour whip in the House of Lords and serves as a deputy speaker, but plays no part in party politics in Worcester.

The debate comes just days after a new ICM poll saw the 'leave' camp's advantage narrow slightly.

Some 45 percent of voters were in favour of a so-called 'Brexit' against 44 percent who believe Britain should remain in, not counting undecided voters.

A similar poll published last week by ICM found 44 percent of voters wanted to remain in the EU compared with 46 percent who wanted to leave.

The latest survey was weighted to take into account the likelihood of respondents actually intending to vote.

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that the in/out EU referendum will take place on Thursday, June 23.

For more details on the Cap 'N' Gown's EU debates ring pub landlord Ted Marshall on 01905 612236.