PARTY political support for the Daily Echo's campaign to save the Hythe Ferry is buoyant.

President of the Liberal Democrats Simon Hughes joined New Forest East candidate Brian Dash to sign our petition to keep the vital route afloat after it was threatened by soaring business rates.

Mr Hughes said: "Without the Hythe ferry, the journey would take longer, be more stressful, use more fuel and create more congestion."

Mr Dash added: "Closing the ferry is simply not an option. Whatever happens it must be kept going."

Meanwhile, the Conservative candidate for the New Forest East seat, Dr Julian Lewis, took a brief break from campaigning to sign the Echo's petition with Kim Cox, manageress of Hythe Post Office.

He said: "Hythe would not be Hythe without the ferry. This is a vital campaign which we must, and will, win.''

Steve Roberts, Labour candidate for New Forest East, was unavailable for comment.