It's going to be close

10.34.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 23rd Sep 2004

With just days to go to election day, Jody Dunn is gaining ground on Peter Mandelson's Labour man.

Even the Labour campaign manager has admitted that there could be just a SINGLE vote in it. The Conservatives and UKIP are scrapping it out for fourth place.

More and more people across our town are saying Labour has taken Hartlepool for granted and that it is time for a change.

Local campaigner Jody Dunn said: "I have been delighted by the response I have received from people across our town. Local people want an MP who will really stand up for our town."

Kennedy in town

Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy last week made his third recent visit to Hartlepool to back Jody Dunn's campaign. Charles and Jody visited the Manor College of Technology, before meeting local people at Middleton Grange shopping centre.

Charles Kennedy said: "I was delighted at the reaction Jody and I received. There is a real mood for change in the town. Jody Dunn will be an excellent MP who will really fight to save the local hospital and for tough action on crime."