With the General Election now just a week away ,The Comet is taking a look at the pledges made by the man seeking another five years as your MP in Hitchin.

Polls currently forecast a tight race between Conservative Bim Afolami and Labour's Alistair Strathern.

Earlier this week Mr Strathern unveiled a five pledge 'mini manifesto' for constituents.

His Conservative opponent has also set out his vision for the next five years, publishing a six point plan on his official website.

They are:

1. "Protecting our local environment" - Mr Afolami has described the 'beautiful' natural environment as a key part of what makes people proud to call the town home.

2. "Backing our villages on Airport Expansion" - He claims that the plans to expand Luton Airport would be a "blight" on the rural area.

3.  "Delivering more jobs and apprenticeships" - The MP points to the Generation Hitchin apprenticeship fair as proof of his record on jobs.

4. "Creating safer streets and communities" - Mr Afolami claims to have delivered record numbers of police officers on the streets and reduced crime since the last Election.

5. "Improving local health care."

6. "Opening up eastern access to Hitchin Train Station" - The 38-year-old has long campaigned on this issue, which he describes as a "real problem"

As well as Mr Afolami and Mr Strathern, the other candidates in Hitchin are: Chris Lucas (Liberal Democrats), Charles Bunker (Reform UK), Will Lavin (Green Party) and Sid Cordle (Christian People's Alliance).