LIBERAL Democrat deputy leader Sir Menzies Campbell paid a flying visit to Malvern yesterday as the party launched its election manifesto.

Sir Menzies stepped into the breach for the trip to the town's Science Park, off Geraldine Road after party leader Charles Kennedy's hectic campaigning schedule was disrupted by the birth of his son Donald.

The deputy leader was greeted at the park by the party's West Worcestershire candidate and Malvern Hills District Council leader Tom Wells, with other local activists.

Stepping off one of the party's bold orange-coloured campaign buses the elder statesman was told by Coun Wells how the council is one of the park's major shareholders, which currently accommodates 16 businesses, employing 180 staff. He was then introduced to park manager Nigel Shaw before touring the laboratory at pSiMedica, a company developing nanotechnology to deliver treatment for cancer patients to inoperable areas.

Afterwards he stopped to speak with the assembled media, before leaving for Birmingham with a parting message to Coun Wells to "give them hell".

And speaking to the Worcester News, Sir Menzies said the fact Charles Kennedy had planned to visit Malvern was evidence how important they viewed the seat, for which Coun Wells is fighting Conservative candidate Sir Michael Spicer. "Every seat is important because we're determined to get the maximum number of voters and seats.

"We're a party who present a fresh alternative and believe in people's personal freedom and education, among other issues, and this park is a reflection of the need for education in the sciences."

Asked about the party's chances of winning West Worcestershire, he said: "I've learnt never to make false predictions but what I say is this - we're optimistic but never complacent."

And Coun Wells said he was quietly confident.

"We're very buoyed at the moment as there seems to be a movement towards us on the doorsteps which is very clear from the canvassing I'm doing."