Political banter isn't the kind of talk you would expect to hear at a speed-dating night.

But next week, youngsters from Hastings will apply speed-dating rules to tackle their councillors on hot topics.

At the end of the evening, the politicians will be marked on their approachability, listening skills and ability to answer questions.

They will also be given the chance to canvas for votes for two minutes before the youngsters move on to the next candidate.

The event is the idea of Hastings Young Persons' Council, which has 32 members aged 13 to 25 and aims to ensure young people in Hastings have a voice.

Organised together with Hastings Borough Council, it will be held as part of the two councils' third annual joint meeting.

Youth worker Anthony Brown, 22, who is a member of the young persons' council, said they wanted to do something different this year.

He said: "We've had joint meetings for the past two years where we gave a presentation of what we've been doing and then broke into small groups to chat about different issues. This year, we thought we would do something different.

"It should be great fun. Hopefully it will bring the young persons' council and the borough council closer together because we will be able to quiz councillors one-on-one.

"It will give us a chance to get to know each other a bit more informally."

He added: "The general perception of politicians is they are people in suits and out of touch, which is probably why we have an MP in Celebrity Big Brother at the moment.

This event should break down some of the barriers."

Youngsters have come up with a mix of serious and ice-breaker questions, including: "If there was one thing you could change about Hastings, what would it be?"

Young persons' council chairman Kelvin Brotherston, 18, who attends Helenswood-William Parker Federal Sixth Form, will ask questions about transport and youth strategy. He will also ask councillors whether they think a Jaffa Cake is a cake or a biscuit.

He said: "It's a way of breaking the ice. I might even buy some roses to lighten the mood."

Among the councillors attending will be council leader Jeremy Birch.

He said: "This is a novel way of getting all councillors more in touch with young persons' issues."

On the Jaffa Cake question, he told The Argus: "I would need to take council officers' advice on an issue of such importance."

The event takes place in the council chamber at Hastings Town Hall in Queens Road from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday.