POLITICAL heavyweight Sir Cyril Smith joined shoppers in Colne yesterday to encourage them to turn out and vote in the forthcoming European elections.

The former Liberal MP for Rochdale joined the Liberal Democrat's lead candidate for the North West, Chris Davies, at the start of a tour of Lancashire, which also took in Burnley and Clitheroe.

Leading Pendle Liberal Tony Greaves, said his party was confident it will pick up two of the 10 Euro seats available in the North West.

"We won enough votes at the last General Election to get one seat and almost enough for two and I'm sure we will do very well in the European elections," he said. "We have more than an excellent chance.

"We were out yesterday trying to encourage people to take an interest in the elections and turn out to vote on June 10."

Sir Cyril, who met local people outside Colne Health Centre, added: "It doesn't matter if you are keen on Europe or not. The fact is that we are part of it and we need to make the most of the opportunities.

"I want a strong Liberal Democrat team of MEPs to do just that."

The LibDems are currently circulating a four-page newsletter about their European campaign to households in the borough.

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