CONSERVATIVE big gun Ann Widdecombe came to Kidderminster to spread the message on law and order.

She spent half an hour in Kidderminster town centre meeting shoppers and putting over the Conservative message of tougher sentences and new police powers with Tory candidate Mark Simpson. Ann Widdecombe and Mark Simpson talk to Seema Shrisunder and her baby Stephanie.

She said teenage tearaways, who terrorised housing estates, would be locked up under Conservative plans.

But they would also be given an incentive of early release if they reached targets on education and behaviour at secure training centres - dubbed "boot camps".

Mr Simpson said he brought the Shadow Home Secretary to town as police numbers are a key concern in the district.

He said: "There are 137 fewer West Mercia Police officers than in 1997 and local people are concerned that Labour has released 35,000 criminals early.

"It was a great opportunity for the public to quiz Miss Widdecombe as, unlike Labour, we're not afraid to meet people and discuss their concerns."

He added: "We've been the most visible campaigners in Wyre Forest from the outset."