Future leaders of Birmingham City Council say they are looking forward to locking horns at the Birmingham Post's hustings event this week.

The quintet of candidates vying to take over from Sir Albert Bore will go head-to-head on Thursday in a rare opportunity for the public to quiz them.

The open hustings take place just days before the key vote and will give the public an opportunity to ask how the leadership hopefuls would approach issues such as children's services, education and looming fears of government intervention.

The event takes place at the CBSO Centre, in Berkley Street, and all five Labour councillors - John Clancy, Mike Leddy, Penny Holbrook, Barry Henley and Ian Ward - are expected to turn out.

Coun Clancy (Quinton) said: "I am looking forward to it immensely. I have been sharing my vision for the last few years so I very much look forward to sharing it with the public."

Coun Holbrook (Stockland Green) said: "I'm really happy to take part in the hustings. It is a good opportunity to be transparent and share our ideas for the future of the council and the city."

Up to 250 people are expected to attend and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doors will open at 6pm with the event starting at 6.30pm.

For those unable to attend, there will be a live blog reporting all the key moments on our sister website birminghammail.co.uk.

The event will be chaired by Marc Reeves, editor-in-chief of the Birmingham Post's publisher BPM Media, and has been organised in partnership with RJF Public Affairs and Paradise Circus.

Voting for the new leader of the Labour group will be held on November 23 among its 78 councillors.

The winner will be installed as leader of Birmingham City Council on December 1 when Sir Albert Bore formally steps down.

To secure a free place, visit the Event Brite website here.