THE Lib Dem candidate for Winchester, Martin Tod, was joined by the party's national president, Baroness Scott, on the campaign trail.

She had lunch with party activists at the Otter pub in Otterbourne before they went door knocking in the village.

It comes after Mr Tod was officially named as the Lib Dem choice after an adoption meeting in Winchester.

He was introduced by party colleague Mark Oaten, the city's outgoing MP, and former national Lib Dem chief executive Lord Rennard.

Mr Oaten said: “I have worked with Martin for the last three years and seen first hand that he will make a great MP for Winchester.

“He has already been helping hundreds of people and knows the area very well. I am sure the people of Winchester will be proud to have him as their representative.”

Mr Tod said: “"I am proud of the record of hard work of our local Liberal Democrat MPs and want to see if continue. It's also essential that we continue to have a Liberal Democrat MP.

“Too many of the Labour Government's worst decisions on issues like Iraq, MPs' expenses, debt and the unsustainable economic boom were fully supported by the Conservatives.”

Former Eastleigh MP, Lord Chidgey, has also offered his support and has offered to go campaigning with Mr Tod.