Labour's General Election hopeful for the new Pendle and Clitheroe constituency has completed his “Meet the Candidate” tour.

Former police inspector Jonathan Hinder has hosted 12 events across the area over the last two months.

He will take on current Pendle MP and health minister Andrew Stephenson in the national poll expected later this year.

The final event of Mr Hinder's tour took place at Read and Simonstone Village Hall on Thursday, March 21.

Sessions have also been held in Barnoldswick, Barrowford, Colne, Clitheroe, Earby, Foulridge, Kelbrook, Nelson, Sabden, Trawden and Whalley.

Speaking to a packed room on March 21, Mr Hinder spoke about green energy generation, the creation of a national care service, and career opportunities for young people.

Speaking about the sessions, Mr Hinder said: “Over the course of these 12 events, I have met hundreds of people from all over the area and heard what matters most to them.

"The overriding message I received was that people across our towns and villages want change.

"They are so fed up with sub-standard public services, which have been getting worse and worse for the last 14 years.

“I’ve sought to give people hope that things can get better, and will get better, with a Labour government.

"We can’t fix the mess the Conservatives have made overnight, but with a more active government, serious about tackling the deep-rooted issues we face, and a vocal MP who will champion our area, it can be done.”

Mr Hinder has answered more than 200 questions from the public throughout the 12 events.

As well as Conservative Andrew Stephenson, other candidates confirmed for the upcoming General Election are Mark Kenyon for the Liberal Democrats, and Victoria Fletcher for Reform UK.