ELECTION candidates have been accused of acting 'like schoolchildren' while answering students' questions at a formal hustings.

Four prospective candidates hoping to become West Dorset MP, along with Cllr Rebecca Knox, took part in the event at the Sir John Colfox School on Tuesday.

Students from Colfox and Beaminster sixth forms quizzed candidates about engaging young people and tuition fees as part of the event. But pupils were left annoyed after candidates failed to answer questions directly - while Liberal Democrat candidate Ros Kayes and Labour candidate Rachel Rogers were accused of being 'very disrespectful'.

Speaking after the event, student Ryan Smith said: "I just though the Liberal Democrat and Labour candidates were very disrespectful by laughing at other parties' views during the entire thing.

"I think they should not be laughing at each other like schoolchildren and act like adults and discuss the issues - instead of making a mockery of each other's opinions. I think it was very childish and very silly really."

Fellow student Amy Van Zyl said she thought that the panel's failure to directly answer questions was adding to young people's disinterest in politics.

"I often come away from these events feeling really disheartened" she said.

"It's brilliant that we've had this opportunity, but I think it's a shame when you see young people in the room asking questions and then they are not getting direct answers.

"I think it just perpetuates the disconnect - but the fundamental idea behind the event is really good."

But Joe Marley said the event allowed him to make up his mind on which political party he agreed with.

"I think it was a really insightful hour" he said.

"I've gone from thinking politics is a complete waste of time to having a definitive party to support. It has been pretty enlightening."

Candidates told students that lowering the voting age to 16 would help young people be more engaged in politics - as was seen during last year's Scottish Referendum. Cllr Knox suggested that youngsters can get involved in working groups used by Dorset County Council.

Candidates were asked about £9,000 university tuition fees. Green Party candidate Peter Barton said his party would abolish the fees, while Rachel Rogers said Labour would reduce the maximum charge to £6,000. Ros Kayes questioned 'third-rate universities' being able to charge the full amount in fees. UKIP candidate David Glossop said his party would remove tuition fees for students studying approved degrees in science, medicine, technology and maths.