OPPOSITION leader Iain Duncan Smith will visit Chippenham to speak at a dinner on Friday October 18.

It will be held at the Olympiad and Conservative supporters are urging people of all political colours to attend.

North Wiltshire MP James Gray said: "It's many, many years since the leader of the Conservative Party has spoken at such an event in the constituency.

He said: "We are lucky that Iain has made some time in his busy schedule to be with us.

"We will also have MPs from surrounding constituencies joining us including Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram, Robert Key, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Andrew Murrison. MEPs The Earl of Stockton and Giles Chichester will also be attending.

"This is the biggest event of its sort in the constituency for a very long time."

The dinner will be taking place shortly after the party conference season, so burning political issues will be very much in the air.

Organiser Dick Tonge said: "James is very keen that as many people as possible are able to attend regardless of their political allegiance.

"These are testing times for the country and at this dinner we will be meeting the people who are at the centre of the political debate.

"It will be fascinating to hear their perception of what is happening as well as having a pleasant evening in good company."

Tickets are available from Jenny Hancock on (01249) 652851.