The start of the general election campaign in Teignbridge was marked in Newton Abbot on Tuesday by a visit from shadow environment secretary Nick Herbert MP.

He spent time in Courtenay Street with Anne Marie Morris, the Conservative's prospective candidate for the new seat.

The pair visited the market and talked about matters they felt would decide the May 6 election.

Mrs Morris said the 'absolute key' issues were public services such as health and education.

Mr Herbert said: 'I think people are ready for change, there's not much appeal in the prospect of another five years of Gordon Brown.'

The sitting MP, Lib Dem Richard Younger-Ross, said he welcomed the chance to fight a seat which has lost several communities in south Dartmoor and the A38 corridor to the new Central Devon constituency.

'It will be a close fight with the Conservatives and I will continue to press for fairer taxes and water charges as well as better funding for our schools,' he said.

A visit to Buckland, Newton Abbot, by former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown was due to have taken place yesterday to help kickstart his campaign.

Patrick Canavan, the Labour hopeful, welcomed the confirmation of the election date. He said: 'I just want to get going,' and promised a series of public appearances, starting in Dawlish on Saturday, April 17.

The Green Party hopeful, Corinne Lindsey, will start her search for votes tonight with an appearance at the Jolly Farmer, Newton Abbot, where several candidates will take part in a meeting organised by Newton Abbot chamber of trade.

She will also be in Dawlish tomorrow to take questions from the public.

'It will be a chance to meet with people from the Green Party,' she said.

UKIP's Jackie Hooper will also be at the Jolly Farmer meeting and in Newton Abbot town centre on Tuesday with a stall at Drum Clock Corner.

'Come along and ask me anything you like, even throw eggs if you want to,' she said.

The other candidate known to have declared at this stage, independent Keith Sharp, was unavailable for comment.

In an election letter, he promised to be a 'dark horse coming up on the outside' in the race.

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