ONE of Britain's top ministers was on the election trail in Cowlersley.

Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, joined Colne Valley Labour candidate Kali Mountford on the stump yesterday.

And he visited the street, Western Road, where a young Harold Wilson grew up - years before he became a Labour Prime Minister.

He said: "The people here are so nice and friendly. It was like getting into a warm bath."

The pair chatted with residents in the area, including several in Clara Street, as the campaign entered its final week.

Lord Falconer, who was appointed to his post in June, 2003, added: "Labour supporters cannot be complacent and assume Kali will be re-elected."

The minister was educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond, and Queen's College, Cambridge. He was called to the Bar (Inner Temple) in 1974.

He was appointed Solicitor General in May, 1997.

He is married with three sons and one daughter and yesterday talked about Labour's plans to help families.