THE leader of the Brexit Party says he is relying on Hartlepool 'patriotic' vote to deliver one of its candidates to Parliament.

Nigel Farage was supporting party candidate Richard Tice as they attempt to secure a seat in next month's general election.

He called into the town on Saturday as part of a nationwide tour and while there he took a swipe at the Labour Party's manifesto, claiming it was 'bombing' after the leaders' debate on Friday night.

He said his party could win Labour seats in the election if it attracted ballots from Conservative voters.

Mr Farage added patriotic voters in places like Hartlepool would vote for his party because of their view of Mr Corbyn.

He said: "I think the Brexit issue is huge, I think the patriotic issue is huge, I think Corbyn is not seen as being very patriotic and I think if Conservative voters in these areas realise that we're the challenger and come to us, then we could (beat Labour), absolutely."

Mr Farage arrived in Hartlepool on the Brexit Party battle bus and visited the Market Hall in Middleton Grange shopping centre.

Wearing a flat cap and calf-length wax jacket, Mr Farage spoke to a number of stallholders and bought a caramel slice and a £1.29 Christmas card for his mother.

Mr Farage later joined canvassers knocking on doors in Hartlepool.

Speaking as he walked through the residential area, he said he believed there would be a low turnout in the election.

But several voters on the doorstep said he had their vote.