HUNDREDS of election leaflets were being urgently reprinted in Burnley today after a blunder by local Labour party bosses.

The error came to light when it was discovered that the names of Labour's two candidates in Whittlefield ward did not match up with their pictures.

Carole Barber, whose name was swapped with that of Maureen Martin, said: "It is vital that the information put out to the electorate is accurate.

"I am sorry that some of our enthusiastic leaflet delivery team in Whittlefield have already posted some of these leaflets out.''

Tony Martin, the party's press officer and Maureen's husband, said: "Our printer, which we have used for a number of years, is very good and has had to deal this year with more than 20 candidates' photographs, personal details and statements on an election address that is intended for the whole town.

"Given all the changes they have to make it is a wonder we do not have more accidents like this.

"We apologise to Whittlefield's residents and will do our level best to get a reprinted version to every home in Whittlefield before Thursday.''

Labour election agent Carole Galbraith said she was contacting the printers asking for an emergency reprint.

She said: "Having two candidates in Whittlefield this year, especially as they are both women, means that this was always more than likely to happen than in a normal year when we expect to field only one candidate per ward.''

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.