UKIP leader Nigel Farage addressed party supporters on his first visit to Oswaldtwisle last night after arriving by a purple taxi.

Around 70 people attended Stanhill Working Men’s Club, in Stanhill Road, as Mr Farage attempted to whip up support ahead of next month’s county council elections.

David Duthie, vice chairman of UKIP’s East Lancashire branch, said: “UKIP’s popularity continues to increase with more and more people joining. We are the only party which really understands and speaks up for the man in the street and that is reflected in our rapidly growing membership, including this area.”