THOUSANDS of people turned out to hear Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn urge voters to get behind the party in next month’s General Election during a return visit to Wirral this afternoon.

In a motivational speech to those gathered for a party rally on South Parade in West Kirby he called on members to ensure they play their part when voters go to the polls on June 8.

He highlighted the importance of party members campaigning hard to ensure a good result.

He also reiterated his support for Labour's Wirral West candidate Margaret Greenwood, who had invited him along to take part in the rally, and told the Globe that a Labour government would ban fracking..

The visit was part of a whistle-stop tour of Merseyside.

People of all ages, including families with children, braved the poor weather, gathering on the beach as far as the promenade to see Mr Corbyn, who told them: "This is the biggest crowd we've had this campaign: you beat Leeds".

The exact number that turned out is not known, but it is believed to have been well over 2,000 people.

Mr Corbyn told the Globe afterwards: "It was a privilege to be able to address the huge crowd on West Kirby beach today.

"People came out despite the wet weather and rain held off for us.

"Margaret Greenwood is a brilliant local MP and I was determined to make time to come here and support her campaign.

"Margaret has led the campaign against Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) - in the Dee estuary.

"The Tories have given the green light to fracking and UCG which would threaten this area including the beach from which I spoke today.

"Margaret has my full support on this issue and a Labour government would ban fracking.

"We are fighting this election to build a Britain for the many not the few.

"The people of Wirral have had enough of Tory cuts, falling living standards and a struggling NHS.

"Labour has a plan to change all this and build a fairer Britain.

"I hope the people of Wirral West vote for Margaret Greenwood and a Labour Government on June 8."