IT IS not the result one might expect, but early election opinion polls in Romsey suggest UKIP is leading the way.

The party appears to have been successfully wooing voters - with its unique mauve and yellow colour scheme!

For this vote is not about manifestos and pledges, but about which colours will look nice in the living room.

Angie's florist, in Love Lane, Romsey, has launched its own Petal Poll to bring a little election fun to the town. Four bouquets, in colours aligned to four key political parties, are up for grabs - and every sale counts as a vote.

Owner Angie Judd, who is pictured above with Rebecca Cleverley and Emma Langdown, said: "It may well be as reliable as any other poll and besides, it adds a little colour to what many may feel will be a long, drawn-out affair.

"My own feeling is that the unusual colour combination of UKIP's mauve and yellow is the early eye-catching mix, but over the coming weeks, I expect the more traditional colours to fight back."

The enterprising florist is even offering a bouquet entitled "Fed up with the lot of 'em," which is a striking mix of pink and lilac flowers.

To cast your vote in the Petal Poll, visit Angie's or call 01794 516 668.

For more local news from the 2005 General Election campaign see pages 8 & 9 of today's Daily Echo.