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The UK Independence Party has opened a second office in Northumberland.

Melanie Hurst, who is the candidate for Wansbeck, has opened a base at Front Street East in Bedlington.

Labour’s Ian Lavery won the seat at the 2010 General Election with a majority of more than 7,000 but Ms Hurst hopes to take some of those votes next month.

The Ukip office is the second to open in Northumberland after the party chose premises just off Blyth high street for their North East headquarters.

“The campaign is really positive,” she said. “The support in Bedlington is overwhelming.

“We came in on Monday to clean up. We didn’t tell anyone but we came in and started putting Ukip posters up.

“Word must have got out. We have had a non-stop stream of people coming in for literature and posters, but support is really strong across Wansbeck.

“A very kind businessman has donated his services. He wishes to remain nameless.

“He has been a long-term supporter of Ukip.”

Ms Hurst admits she faces a tough challenge in Wansbeck, adding: “It certainly is a Labour stronghold but I have had fantastic support,” she said.

“I’m genuinely quite touched by some of the sentiments that people are passing on.

“I have had people get in touch with me and stop me in the street to tell me they are not voting Labour anymore, they feel let down by Labour.

“They tell me Labour had 13 years after Thatcher and they didn’t ‘put their money where their mouth is’ and support the people of the North East.”