Nigel Farage arrived in Maidstone today to show his support for Ukip's police and crime commissioner candidate.

He was welcomed by miserable weather but a typically enthusiastic band of supporters as he strolled towards the town's police station to meet Henry Bolton.

Mr Bolton, a former army and police officer, is hoping to put his experience to good use if elected as the county's second PCC at next month's election.

The party headed into town but soon dipped into The Brenchley, in Jubilee Square, to avoid the rain.

The 52-year-old, from Folkestone, was supremely confident as he supped a pint of ale with Mr Farage.

He said he wants to build on the "excellent work of Kent Police" and the good work Ann Barnes has done with the victims of crime.

The visit coincided with the official start of the Brexit campaign, although Mr Farage joked he's already been going for 20 years.

He remained confident that, while the polls are currently too close to call and despite the government's leafleting campaign, the loyal supporters of the leave campaign will prevail on June 23.

He added: "I posted my leaflet straight back through the door of number 10 this morning. I must say I felt pretty good about that."

Asked if the election of a PCC and the campaign to leave Europe were intrinsically linked he replied: "Of course they are," adding the main challenges the county faces revolve around its open border.

Mr Bolton said he was not concerned by Fergus Wilson's legal challenge after his dramatic disqualification last week and feels he is by far the most qualified candidate to hold the position.