THERE was a huge surprise in store for residents last week when celebrity Eddie Izzard turned up in the town centre.

The comedian, actor and writer, was out on the campaign trail with Redditch’s Labour's Parliamentary candidate Rebecca Blake.

As well as supporting Ms Blake's fight to be elected on May 7, Eddie met with local campaigners and a number of bemused shoppers.

Candidate Rebecca Blake said: "On the doorstep I speak to too many people who have never voted or will not be voting this time. I want more people to vote and that's why I'm delighted Eddie, who is so well known, came to Redditch to ask people to vote Labour on the May 7.

"There is so much at stake in this election, including for young people who face low wages, insecure work and being the first generation in a hundred years struggling to do better than the last.

"The next generation here in the Redditch constituency want to get on, and deserve a bright future. A Labour government will guarantee an apprenticeship for every school leaver who gets the grades, we will reduce tuition fees and increase the minimum wage. And make exploitative zero hour contracts a thing of the past."

She added: "Not only was it good to have Eddie's support, I was thrilled to showcase Redditch town centre to him, including Church Green and the Kingfisher Shopping Centre."