Despite claiming to have achieved his political ambition and declaring that he wanted his life back, as he resigned as leader of Ukip in July, Nigel Farage was back in Thanet at the weekend.

Mr Farage was backing a Ukip campaign in the Northwood by-election.

The 52-year-old was on jubilant form as he addressed the packed St Mark’s Church, Ramsgate.

He spoke to the audience about how he had fought for Britain to leave the EU and threw his support behind Thanet District Council – Ukip’s only council.

Mr Farage also addressed the serious issue of debt that faced people in the area and how he would tackle those problems moving forward.

Sporting a newly-acquired moustache, he was joined on stage by council leader Cllr Chris Wells, who referred to forthcoming court appearances by two former Ukip members, Kevan Collins and Helen Smith.

They are due to appear at Canterbury Crown Court next month to face theft charges, and Smith also faces charges of assault and driving dangerously.

On his return to the limelight it was all smiles for Mr Farage as he left to rapturous applause.