STUNNED Malvern people didn't know what had hit them when New Labour's deliciously devious Alan B'Stard hit the streets.

The slimy, deceitful fictional politician - played by Worcestershire's own Rik Mayall - went on walkabout through the town yesterday to promote his show The New Statesman which is at Malvern Theatres until the end of the week.

Ever the exhibitionist, B'Stard stopped traffic, accosted shoppers and, shunning any political correctness, gave the Elgar statue at the top of Church Street a rude hand gesture.

Passers-by were either delighted to meet the man they recognised from the TV, or bewildered, believing B'Stard was really campaigning for their vote. Janet Brown - who was made to shake hands with B'Stard who then tried to steal the rings from her fingers - said: "It was fantastic to meet him - he was funny. I think if the real politicians were like him we might all have a bit more fun!"

Julia Hayes's young toddlers Ben and Lucy were subjected to B'Stard trying to bribe them into being future voters with a £20 note.

"These are my children," B'Stard proclaimed to passers-by. But they don't look much like me do they?"

Tickets to see The New Statesman are from www. malvern.theatres.co.uk.