Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg visited Holt this lunchtime to rally around support for local prospective party candidate Duncan Hames, who is seeking re-election in the Chippenham constituency.

The pair, who had visited wheel manufacturer Dymag in Chippenham in the morning, went to Mr Hames’ home where they were welcomed by crowds of supporters.

Mr Clegg said he was hopeful that the party would be re-elected in the constituency and that despite much publicity of the opposing Conservative party candidate, the Liberal Democrats were successful in securing funding for local schools.

Mr Clegg said: “I’m very confident, not complacent, that Duncan will be re-elected. That is what we have been picked up from conversations we have been having with people on the doorstep.

“We know it isn’t going to be without a fight and this is a hotly contested seat but if you look at Duncan’s record in getting a college built in Chippenham to getting a railway service for Melksham to getting more money into local schools.

“If you contrast that with the Conservative candidate’s plans to cut money going into nurseries, schools and colleges and I think most unfairly of all to ask the more vulnerable families in the area to make all the additional sacrifices to balance the books rather than ask those with a broader shoulder to make any further contribution.

“I think it is obvious than in Duncan that the local area has the best possible choice for the future.”

Mr Hames added: “The secondary schools in particular are worried about the pressures on their budgets in particular those who have sixth forms and that is why it is so important that the Liberal Democrats are wanting to protect in real terms the education budget and not just for five to 16 years but from cradle to college.

“We have great schools here and I don’t want to lose that.”