THE General Election race in Taunton Deane has entered its closing stages before Thursday’s ballot.

The County Gazette will be at Thursday’s count and the result will be posted on this website as it happens – click to make sure you are among the first to find out the result of the long-awaited poll.

You can also get the latest election news from the across the country - and play some light-hearted election games - in our special election section – click on the Related Link below for more details.

With a week to go before decision time last Thursday, voters got the chance to quiz the candidates - Jeremy Browne (LibDem), Tony McIntyre (UKIP), Lord King (Conservative, stepping in for Mark Formosa) and Martin Jevon (Labour) at a hustings held at Taunton School.

Measures to combat the economic downturn, immigration and education were hot topics as comments from the candidates provoked heated and sometimes passionate responses from the audience.

Chaired by headmaster, Dr John Newton, the debate lasted 90 minutes.

Mr Formosa was unable to attend the debate due to the recent death of his mother. He has now returned to campaigning.