Party activists are determined to keep Liberal Democrat MP David Rendel in the Newbury seat, although he has had his majority slashed from 22,500 to 2,500 over the last 10 years.

Internal documents circulated to local activists this week said: "We have to make sure that we are 'ready to go' in Newbury for the 4th November date. That means we need to make the most of the last two months of light evenings and warm weather to go out recruiting new deliverers and members and complete the summer canvass of every ward."

"We also need to get as many pre-consents for garden posters as possible for our flying start poster campaign. Please do all you can in your branches to make sure we are ready - we don't want to wake up in a Tory constituency on November 5 through being unprepared."

The battle in Newbury is shaping up as one of the more interesting, as although the Liberals are resurgent nationally, and claiming 24% of the share of the vote, the Tory strategy is largely based on seizing back "Tory heartland" seats like Newbury.

Before Mr Rendel stormed to victory in 1993, the Newbury seat had been Conservative for all but four years in its 120 year existence.

Mr Rendel will face Englefield farmer Richard Benyon for a third and final time in the contest.

Original plans had been made for a May 5 election next year, but sections of the Labour party are spoiling for an earlier encounter.