LIBERAL Democrat leader Gordon Birtwistle is setting a blistering pace in the run up to Burnley's council elections.

Not only is the Coal Clough councillor pounding the ward beat with election leaflets as he defends his seat, he is also a familiar sight as a road runner - regularly jogging through the area as part of his keep fit regime.

The 56-year-old Accrington engineering company boss has lost one and a half stones and considerably reduced his blood pressure thanks to his efforts over the last 12 months.

But completing the jogging course is sometimes an uphill struggle for the man who became Burnley's first SDP councillor in 1983 - because he is often intercepted by constituents raising their concerns and council complaints.

"It is like a running advice surgery at times," Gordon said.

"This week two residents even ran after me to hand me their proxy votes for the election," he added.

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