DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg was in town again yesterday as the Mid Dorset and North Poole election scrap continued.

The Lib Dem leader has made a string of visits to the key constituency in recent weeks, as his party pulls out the stops to defend the marginal seat against a Conservative challenge.

Yesterday he visited Tops Day Nursery, Blandford Road, where he spoke with parents, children and staff and discussed his party’s record on childcare issues.

Mid Dorset and North Poole Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Vikki Slade told the Echo: "We talked about childcare and the general campaign, in particular how crucial this seat is.

"We were asked about the free school meals, which we are really proud of. Most schools are coping admirably with them. The children were an absolute delight, we had to make our own play dough which was fun.

"It is just great to have Nick's support again. He did say he'd see me again soon, I'd like to think he meant in the House of Commons. I'm pretty confident here now, I think we've turned a corner."

Earlier this month Prime Minister David Cameron enjoyed a barbecue lunch at Lytchett Matravers, where he described Mid Dorset and North Poole as one of 23 seats "vital" for a Conservative majority.

As Mr Clegg toured the nursery with Mrs Slade, and former MP Annette Brooke, speculation was growing about just who the Conservatives are primed to roll out in Dorset next.

London Mayor Boris Johnson continues to pound the streets in key marginal constituencies across London and the south. Could a last-minute visit to Mid Dorset and North Poole be on the cards?

Conservative Central Office declined to comment further when the Daily Echo asked them yesterday. However, they certainly did not rule a Boris visit out.

Earlier the Deputy Prime Minister said it would be "undemocratic" if the Lib Dems failed to hold coalition talks first with the political party winning the most number of election seats on May 7. However, he hinted that should these initial talks fail, negotiations with other parties could proceed.

Michael Tomlinson is standing for the Conservatives in Mid Dorset and North Poole; Patrick Canavan, Labour; Richard Turner, UKIP; Mark Chivers, Green Party.