* Having steered his team comfortably clear of relegation this season, Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce is hoping to provide a boost for Jack Straw.

Big Sam, who is a well-known Labour Party supporter, is pictured on the Justice Secretary’s latest leaflets.

“A Premier League MP for a Premier League town”, he says.

Tory candidate and Blackburn fan Michael Law-Riding was less enamoured, however. "I’m sure there will be plenty of people who go to Rovers that won’t be too impressed,” he said.

* But the Tories are fighting back in Burnley, with the endorsement of actress and classical soprano Hannah Hobley.

The 21-year-old Benidorm star was born and bred in the town and has released a statement backing Tory candidate Richard Ali.

“I’m immensely proud of our town but I know we can and should be so much better,” she said, promising to join Mr Ali on the campaign trail.

* Tory Nigel Evans took time out from the campaign trail to mix with football’s A list at the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year awards.

He knows PFA chairman Gordon Taylor, who is a Ribble Valley constituent.

“I wished Wayne Rooney good luck before he won, so that probably swung it”, he said.

* Publican Nick Hogan, who is standing for UKIP in Chorley, has created a new beer to boost his campaign.

Called UKIPA (UK India Pale Ale) it will be sold at his pub, the Swan with Two Necks in Chorley, at a “pre budget” £2 a pint to highlight the plight of pubs.

* Police are taking no further action against Blackburn independent candidate Bushra Irfan, after allegations that voters were offered food to attend her rallies.

“We have spoken to Mrs Irfan and given her appropriate advice”, said a spokeswoman.

* Six of the seven Blackburn candidates will go head to head today in a debate at the town’s new university centre.

Organisers of the debate said the BNP candidate Robin Evans has had to be excluded because of ‘security costs’.

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