PROTECT the environment! That is the strong message going out to Hampshire's prospective MPs and voters as the days tick by to polling day.

The rallying cry comes from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust - the leading local conservation charity.

Fears are growing for the countryside over plans to build thousands of new homes across the south-east.

The Trust is urging prospective parliamentary candidates and the public to support the environment in the coming General Election with the launch of its manifesto "Natural Selection - making the natural choices."

And the Trust's chief executive, Rob Stoneman, says: "With the threat of massive and unsustainable housing development contained within the South East plan it is hugely important our politicians understand and care for Hampshire and the Island's wildlife."