TORY campaigners were out in force last weekend campaigning against the rising cost of fuel.

Adrian Owens, conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for South Ribble, led the group to parts of Longton and Penwortham collecting signatures for a national petition.

Speaking after the event last Saturday (July 29), Mr Owens said: "Under Labour the price of petrol has rocketed.

"Three years ago it cost only £37 to fill up the average family car. Now it costs more than £52."

"The increases in the price of crude oil have been compounded by a 34 per cent increase in fuel tax since 1997 -- a far steeper increase than the previous administration.

"This means that the average motorist is £350 a year worse off under this government. "

He added: "The people of South Ribble have had enough of Labour's highway robbery and they can't be bribed by the ten year fantasyland transport promises on the back of the three year spending review, which is unsustainable. If you wish to sign this petition, contact us on (01772) 434167."