HE'S been the publican prepared to take democracy to a new level in shining a light on Worcester's General Election contest from day one.

From the very start of this year's hyped-up poll, Cap 'N' Gown landlord Ted Marshall promised to "take politics to the people".

Now the big day is very nearly upon us, this cosy city venue can lay a legitimate claim to having played a small part in British political history after 10 weeks' worth of packed hustings events - something which had never been done elsewhere.

Since the end of March the boozer, which like almost any English pub is normally quiet on Monday nights, has invited Worcester's public in to see the city's parliamentary hopefuls face the music.

Amid the humour of regular guest Baron Fullstop, of the Monster Raving Loony Party, the chinks of beer glasses and the political gossip, there's been some serious business discussed here - from the NHS and education to congestion, constitutional reform and the economy.

The Cap 'N' Gown has enjoyed a deservedly-high profile for this year's election, not only featuring every week in your Worcester News but basking in the glare of the national media spotlight, with coverage on BBC Five Live and TV programme The One Show.

Conservative Robin Walker's main General Election battles with Labour's Joy Squires have taken place here, as have some very lively and passionate debates from UKIP's James Goad and Green Louis Stephen.

Lib Dem Federica Smith made her Worcester hustings debut here, while the pub floor has been the perfect platform for Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidate Peter McNally to stake his credentials, as well as independent Mark Shuker from time to time.

Some Monday nights there's been barely any room to swing a cat, which is just the way Mr Marshall wanted it.

"It's been absolutely great, I think everyone's really enjoyed it," he tells me, reflecting on the 10 weeks.

"It's been so much fun. At the beginning I had never met any of the parliamentary candidates before, I've found they are all great people," he said.

"They're all pretty dedicated, all committed to this election and it's been really nice having them.

"What really is great to have seen is the people who have been coming in and are now friends, it's been really nice to see that.

"We're now getting people who come in and want to talk politics, they come in during the week and say 'I saw you in the Worcester News' or 'I heard you on the BBC' and want to talk about it."

If he's got any highlight of the last few weeks, it was a week ago last Monday, when the candidates laid their cards on the table during a passionate debate about the economy.

You had Mr Walker talking up the last five years, Cllr Squires calling for a "fairer" society, Mr McNally bemoaning greed, and the likes of Mr Stephen and Mr Goad offering Green and UKIP alternatives - a perfect recipe for any floating voter.

"That debate was the highlight for me," said Mr Marshall.

"In the hustings elsewhere, the candidates say they have tended to whisk over the subjects, they might get one on education, the NHS, the Worcester bridge, and they have to answer it quickly before moving onto the next one.

"We've had nearly 30 hours of debates in-depth here, one night on each topic, so they've had to really do their homework each time.

"It doesn't do us any harm being in the Worcester News, or on The One Show.

"One thing this has also done is help me make up my mind on who I'm going to vote for."

We can all drink to that.