EAST Lancashire voters put their questions to the three men vying to be Prime Minister in Britain's first televised General Election leaders' debate tonight.

Before a live studio audience in Manchester and millions more watching at home, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg clashed over the economy, defence and care for the elderly.

Among the handful of audience members chosen to ask questions were a train driver from Accrington and a Burnley woman.

Meanwhile, Burnley's burglary rates and East Lancashire's accident and emergency provision were among the topics discussed.

The 90-minute debate on ITV1 was the first of a series of three, with further clashes on Sky News and BBC1 on the two remaining Thursdays before the May 6 election.

After the launch of the Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem manifestos earlier this week, there were no new policy announcements.

Strict rules banning the audience from applauding and the candidates from interrupting one another meant the debate never descended into the passionate, bear-pit atmosphere of Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.

What did you think of the debate? Add your comments below.