LABOUR'S Clare Short took a swipe at the media when she visited Worcester on Saturday to promote candidate Mike Foster.

Ms Short, the Secretary of State for International Development before Parliament was dissolved, denied voters were apathetic.

"Everywhere I go I find there's great interest in the election, but the media seems determined to be grouchy," she said, as party supporters handed out balloons and stickers to shoppers and traders in Angel Place.

"Out on the streets it's a different story - and more fun."

Mr Foster reminded people in the Angel Place market area of the importance of using their vote, saying: "It's going to be close in Worcester."

Ms Short, who had visited places as far apart as Cornwall and Glasgow before arriving in Worcester, is the Labour candidate for Birmingham Ladywood.

After her "walkabout" she addressed a group of pensioners in the Guildhall about Labour's 10-point Pensioners' Charter.

"People recognised Clare and thanked her for her work in international development, which was very nice," said Mr Foster.