DON'T patronise me, Mr Lewis, I can find my way to debate with you any time!

That was the challenge from Tory hopeful Nicola Le Page, who hopes to win MP Ivan Lewis's seat in the next General Election.

Mrs Le Page asked the Bury South Labour man if, unlike Tony Blair, he had the guts for a public debate with his opponent.

The MP picked up the gauntlet, but cheekily offered to send his Hertfordshire-based rival a map of the constituency!

Mrs Le Page wrote: "I thought that this would be a good time to propose that we meet publicly during the election campaign, to discuss the Government's record and the Conservative Party's common sense policies for change.

"I know that your party leader has decided that he has nothing to gain from a debate with William Hague, but I hope that you are more confident than he of your ability to put up a good show in a debate in Bury South."

Mr Lewis replied to say that, during the last General Election, "Radcliffe Churches Together" hosted a debate between all the Bury South Parliamentary candidates.

"I have indicated to them that I am willing to participate in the same exercise again during the next election campaign," he said.

He says he "looks forward to hearing you explain to people which local services face the axe to achieve the Tory Bury South cuts pledge of £24 million".

And he taunts Mrs Le Page with the comment: "I will request that you be sent a map and directions at the appropriate time," adding: "What's the weather like down there at this time of year?"

Mrs Le Page, recently described by Lord Lamont as feisty, is ready for the confrontation.

"What an incredibly patronising letter!" she exclaimed. "I'll make sure a debate is organised and I don't need a map, I assure you!"