‎VETERAN politician Shirley Williams hit the campaign trail on a visit to a Hampshire town.

The Liberal Democrat peer was backing candidate Mike Thornton at a visit to Catherine Court assisted living centre in Eastleigh.

Speaking to the Daily Echo she backed Mr Thornton's track record as an MP since he won the 2013 by-election.

She said: "Mike has fought very hard for reforms to income tax, transport and I think is the sort of man who has an amazing track record of having held onto Eastleigh in a situation where the last MP retired.

"He's managed to maintain a solid Lib Dem presence in Eastleigh."

At the election the Lib Dems face renewed pressure to hold on to the seat from the Conservatives, UKIP, Labour and the Green Party.