There may still be seven months to go before next year's General Election, but UKIP has already made a start on courting voters in the Tonbridge and Malling constituency.

The seat has been in the safe hands of Tory Sir John Stanley since its creation in 1974, but Sir John, who has commanded a strong personal vote, is retiring at the end of this Parliament.

The Ukip candidate Robert Izzard believes he has a good chance in the borough, which includes Bough Beech, Cowden, Hever. Leigh and Edenbridge within its boundaries.

Mr Izzard was spotted with party workers in Edenbridge High Street on Saturday handing out leaflets and talking to shoppers.

He said: “The warmth of the reception we were given was wonderful, and demonstrated the extent to which the political landscape in this country is changing in favour of Ukip."