LABOUR party hacks eager to become Worcestershire county councillors in next spring's elections will find themselves having to take a test.

As part of the selection process, Labour insists on candidates sitting an examination.

Prior to their interviews, the hopefuls are asked questions on how they would deal with thorny issues in their ward, such as hostility to traffic-calming. How the marks are awarded remains a secret.

The Tories who, if the grapevine is to be believed, are passing over youth in favour of seasoned veterans at election time- have no time for such fripperies.

"We take the view that, if you can't write by now, you're in the wrong business," said Coun Stephen Inman (pictured), chairman of the Worcester Conservative Association.

LABOUR party hacks eager to become Worcestershire county councillors in next spring's elections will find themselves having to take a test.

As part of the selection process, Labour insists on candidates sitting an examination.

Prior to their interviews, the hopefuls are asked questions on how they would deal with thorny issues in their ward, such as hostility to traffic-calming. How the marks are awarded remains a secret.

The Tories - who, if the grapevine is to be believed, are passing over youth in favour of seasoned veterans at election time- have no time for such fripperies.

"We take the view that, if you can't write by now, you're in the wrong business," said Coun Stephen Inman (pictured), chairman of the Worcester Conservative Association.