TWO long-standing Conservative Hampshire MPs joined forces with the party's prospective parliamentary candidate Maria Hutchings as she went canvassing for votes in West End.

Havant MP David Willetts, who is the Shadow Secretary of State for Universities and Skills, and New Forest West MP, Desmond Swayne, lent their support to Maria Hutchings who is standing in Eastleigh.

She said: "I have been living in West End for over two years with my family.

"Living in the community has really enabled me to understand the issues affecting people and what is evident on the doorsteps is that residents want a local person to represent them and take their views to parliament."