SIR Paddy Ashdown became the highest profile election visitor to Malvern so far when he arrived to support the Liberal Democrat assault on the Conservative-held West Worcestershire seat.

The former Lib Dem leader dropped in with party candidate Mike Hadley to meet patients and staff at Malvern Community Hospital on Wednesday (May 30).

Sir Paddy looked in on the wards, staff offices and outpatients physiotherapy department and had a word for everyone.

Patient Eric Dunkley, of Malvern Wells, told him: "The nurses are wonderful, they deserve double pay."

Sir Paddy said: "I'm a great believer in community hospitals. People get better here quicker, in a caring atmosphere, close to their families. It's part of the healing process."

Mr Hadley, the party's regional spokesman on health, welcomed the scheme for a new community hospital at Seaford Court, with reservations about bringing in private funding.

"Business requires a high return, which will take a lot of money out of the budget that could be used for patient care," he said.

Meanwhile the UK Independence Party candidate Ian Morris said he has been buoyed by a public meeting at the Mount Pleasant Hotel last week.

He said almost 70 people attended the event and he was joined by fellow UKIP candidates Christopher Kingsley (Leominster), Richard Chamings (Worcester) and Tony Eaves (Mid-Worcs) in answering questions on policy.

The Green Party has also been busy in West Worcestershire on environmentally friendly campaigning. Candidate Malcolm Victory has been visiting the farthest flung corners of the constituency on his green 'BattleBike'.

He aims to finish his tour by climbing Worcestershire Beacon on election day, June 7, having travelled more than 150 miles.