WORTHING Mayor David Chapman met his new leader William Hague on a whistle-stop tour of the town.

Coun Chapman received a hero's welcome as he was introduced to the Tory leader just two weeks after defecting from the Liberal Democrats.

The meeting took place outside Worthing Lido, where Mr Hague was giving Tory candidates a pep talk with just 48 hours to go before polling in the local council elections.

Coun Chapman said: "It was a great honour meeting Mr Hague. He told me I was a sensible chap and welcomed me aboard.

"I feel really at home with the Tory Party and I've had lots of letters of support."

Mr Hague said: "I'm glad such a distinguished councillor has seen the light and come over to our side."

The Tory leader made light of his recent political problems during his meeting with candidates at the seafront amusement complex.

He said: "It is my job to battle through it."

At one stage a musical children's ride started up, almost drowning Mr Hague out.

But the song may have been a good omen for the Tories because it was the theme from the TV series Bonanza.

Worthing Tories are hoping for a bonanza of votes tomorrow in their bid to win back control of the borough council from the Liberal Democrates.

The Lib Dems have 19 seats to the Tories 17, with polling taking place for 12 seats.

Mr Hague, flanked by his chief of staff, former Tory MP and Olympic athlete Sebastian Coe, also went canvassing in the marginal Gaisford ward.

Mr Hague said: "I do enjoy canvassing because it is the way one can get a true perspective of what people are thinking."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.