The Conservatives stand accused of paying lip service to the environment after turning down the chance to be quizzed on green issues.

An innovative event, organised by Friends of the Earth, will have one conspicuous absentee after the Tories said they were too busy to attend.

Candidates from all other political hues will be on hand at the candlelit speed dating event tonight in Upper Market Street, Hove, which allows voters to grill would-be councillors on the environment.

Conservative leader Brian Oxley said his party had a firm commitment to the environment, detailed green pledges in the manifesto and had provided a lengthy response to the Friends of the Earth questionnaire.

But opposition parties have rounded on the Tories, claiming the cold-shoulder demonstrated their "vote blue, go green" message was just spin.

Councillor Oxley said: "We are in the closing stages of fighting an election and we have completed very fully the Friends of the Earth questionnaire.

"Our environment commitment is in the manifesto and it is a key issue.

"This is not a snub, we are having to focus on the election campaign."

The event is expected to draw up to 250 people and is the first of its kind anywhere in the country.

Councillor Keith Taylor, convener of the Green Party, said: "For all their talk on green issues this refusal to attend shows the Tories in their true colours.

"If people want green they should vote green."

Labour leader councillor Simon Burgess said his party's commitment to the environment was clear from the policies they had implemented.

Senior council, and Labour, figures including Gill Mitchell, chairman of the environment committee, and Joyce Edmond- Smith, chairman of the sustainability commission, will be present.

Coun Burgess said: "This just shows the Conservatives are trying to con people into believing they are committed to environmental issues."

Councillor David Watkins, leader of the Lib Dems, has committed to attend.

He said: "This is a snub from the Tories but the Lib Dems will be sending people along because environmental issues are at the forefront of our message."

Hannah Wylie, of Friends of the Earth, said she was surprised by the decision.

She said: "We have been delighted by the response from other parties and are surprised at the lack of interest from the Conservatives.

"We are still holding out hope they will attend.

"This is a unique opportunity for ordinary people, with no special knowledge, to ask the environmental questions that are important to them - in an informal and fun setting."

The evening starts at 7pm.

Entrance is free, although the charity will be asking for donations.

Guests will also be able to visit a range of environmentally themed stalls and get a drink.