FIRST time voters say they have listened carefully to both sides of the argument ahead of making their debut at the polling station for today's referendum.

Emily Brown, a politics student at Didcot Sixth Form College said she was voting to stay in the EU.

The 18-year-old said: "I am voting in because I believe our country's prospects for the future are better if we are in the EU.

"I think the European Union is a good thing, but it is not working at the moment and needs further reforms.

"But I would prefer to be in a half-broken EU than outside of it."

Miss Brown said she had found it difficult to come to her decision as she could see "valid arguments" on both sides of the debate.

She added: "I do not think a vote for full sovereignty via Brexit will solve all of the problems, for example immigration.

"Also I think older people think that a vote for Brexit on Thursday will result in closing the borders on Friday, which simply isn't going to happen. Brexit would take a long time."

James Pearce-Shaw, also a politics student at the college in Manor Crescent, said he was voting to stay In because he thinks we are better off being in rather than being isolated in the world.

He said: "There is so much uncertainty around Brexit and I don't think that would be good for our country.

"I agree with Emily that the EU is not working and needs reform.

"I think we should be working together with other countries in Europe, and around the world instead of isolating ourselves."

Mr Pearce-Shaw said all his friends who are 18 have registered to vote and have made up their minds.

He added: "Politics is more accessible these days because of social media.

"For example, the Lad Bible really pushed the registration thing, and so young people are interested."