THE Labour candidate for Redditch, Jacqui Smith, joined forces with the International Development Secretary Clare Short to meet voters in Church Green at the weekend.

They handed out information on the children's tax credit, Labour's policies for families, pensions and the health service.

Ms Smith said: "It was great that Clare could join us as we set out our plans for the next Parliament if we win the election.

"Many people said to me they knew that Labour would invest more in our schools and hospitals and that they didn't want Conservative spending cuts.

"Our services need improving but Tory plans for £20 billion of spending cuts would decimate them."

On Monday, Pensions Minister Jeff Rooker joined Ms Smith on a visit to Ibstock House to meet pensioners.