A NATIONAL cancer charity has launched an investigation into how a Hampshire parliamentary candidate was allowed to use its campaign for a political leaflet.

Breast Cancer Care says it is investigating the controversial questionnaire by the Conservative candidate for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, which used its In The Pink slogan to question residents about their political views.

Residents and rival politicians hit out at the leaflet, which had nothing to do with breast cancer and asked people how they would vote in the next election.

It also included a promise by Mrs Nokes to donate money to the charity for every questionnaire returned.

Nicky Scott, spokeswoman for Breast Cancer Care, replied to a letter by Hampshire and Test Valley councillor Alan Dowden calling for an explanation following complaints from local residents.

She said: "Having looked into the matter, we have established that an error on the part of a member of the fundraising team means that as an organisation Breast Cancer Care did give Mrs Nokes permission for this activity.

"We are quite clear that this should not have happened and that our branding should not have been used in conjunction with the survey."

Caroline Nokes declined to comment on the matter.