GOVERNMENT minister Hazel Blears visited Cleckheaton to highlight Labour's action on crime.

And the Home Office minister praised police for the work they had done in West Yorkshire.

She was in the area to support Batley and Spen Labour candidate Mike Wood.

Ms Blears said: "Batley and Spen is experiencing a 10-year low in crime, thanks to the excellent work of West Yorkshire Police.

"Mike Wood and I are absolutely delighted that the whole of Kirklees, including Batley and Spen, is seeing some staggering reductions in crime."

Mr Wood said: "I'm glad a Home Office minister has been able to come to Cleckheaton to see how Labour's action on crime is showing real results in Batley and Spen."