Former Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe showed how she had benefited from being a Celebrity Fit Clubber when she visited the North-East at the weekend.

With party workers in tow, the hard-hitter set a scorching pace as she canvassed members of public in Durham City and Consett on Saturday.

Stepping out in Devonshire Road, Durham, she said: "This is a celebration of young and very good Conservative candidates.

"I am here to support our Durham City candidate Ben Rogers, who is a pro-lifer, and North-West Durham candidate Jamie Devlin, who worked in my office for a year.

"The Labour Party may have a big majority here, but that should be challenged.

"You have to challenge them. Remember, it is huge majorities that fall. If they fell one way in 1997 they can fall the other way now."

Miss Widdicombe, who earlier in the day had addressed shoppers in Durham Market Place with a megaphone, added: "I have been encouraged by the number of people who are reacting very positively to us. I have met people who have not voted for us who are thinking of it."

Then it was off to Consett where Miss Widdicombe got a more mixed response.