IN moments like these, every girl needs a "best mate" to fend off unwanted advances. Sandra Howard's "chaperone" showed just what friends are for when Liberal Democrat Paul Keetch made his move.

Fixed smiles and fast footwork from a central office minder kept any awkwardness to a minimum as Mr Keetch "happened upon" Mrs Howard - wife of Conservative leader Michael Howard - and his Tory rival Virginia Taylor on a walk around Hereford city centre last Thursday.

High Town has seen some epic political stand-offs; this was not much more than lunchtime theatre.

And Mr Keetch barely got out his opening line before the show was over. Mrs Howard accepted his welcome to the city with the dignity demanded and then was swiftly steered away - poise and politeness intact.

"We got on with what mattered," said Mrs Taylor afterwards.

What mattered meant talking up Tory chances in Hereford - one of the country's most marginal seats.

There was listening to be done too. The faithful told them their views, as did first time voters.

As for the voter they couldn't count on, Mr Keetch said he was exercising his "duty as a Herefordian" in welcoming Mrs Howard.

It was a shame, he said, that some of the Tory entourage weren't so "welcoming" of him.