HUNDREDS of voters crammed into a Hereford hotel last week to hear arguments for Britain remaining in – or leaving – the European Union.

North Herefordshire MP Bill Wiggin told the audience he would be joining those putting a cross next to Brexit choice when polling opens on June 23.

He said: "We would have control on how we spend our money, who makes our laws and our benefits. We are not talking massive change but when something doesn't suit us we will have the power over the decision.

"I'm not anti-immigration but we need to make sure we know who is coming here and for what reason.

"I think it is important that future laws are made by the electorate and not given away to the European Commission.

"I'm not happy with an open border if people haven't got the finance to support themselves when they get here.

"Our hospital now provides an international health service because the amount of people who come here to use it."

Hereford and South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman, who has not publicly stated which way he will vote, hosted last Friday's event at the Three Counties Hotel.

Ben Weston, represented the stay in the EU campaign, and said that a vote to leave would diminish Britain’s influence around the world.

"We must play our part and not just walk away," he added. "What message would that send to the rest of the world?

"Being part of the EU means cheaper supermarkets and every person saves £180 every year thanks to it.

"We get more than we put in. We should never dream of leaving the EU as these are our neighbours and we have friends there."

Mr Weston argued that Britain's relationship with the EU also helped to support 10,000 manufacturing jobs in Herefordshire.

Guest of all ages questioned the campaigners on a range of topics which touched upon scientific research and the affect leaving would have on other countries.

More meetings organised by Mr Norman are planned within his constituency.

The next will be held at the Larruperz Centre in Ross-on-Wye from 10.30am to 12pm on May 7.

The final two will be held in the St Peter's Centre in Peterchurch from 6pm on May 13 and from 10.30am on June 11 at Ewyas Harold Village Hall.