LABOUR'S Parliamentary candidates say comedian Eddie Izzard's visit gave their campaigns a welcome boost ahead of the final few days of frantic electioneering.

Mr Izzard, a stand-up comic, actor, and more recently a multiple-marathon runner, helped them canvass voters in Reading's Queen Victoria Street and Broad Street on Wednesday.

Reading West candidate Naz Sarkar said: "It was fantastic to have Edddie Izzard come down and speak to passers-by and then later to a gathering of students. I know that all that he spoke to were interested to know that he supports Labour for reasons of equality and fairness and he got a great reception here in Reading."

Reading East's Anneliese Dodds added: "I was delighted he was able to come to Reading to support the Labour campaign and answer questions from local young people. It was really inspiring to hear from Eddie about how he kept going during his marathon charity efforts - and also why he supported Labour, as the party of the many, not just the few."

Lots of fans grabbed him for an autograph, handshake or kiss. Michael Arnold and Jessa Richards, who work at Hard Edge skate shop in Queen Victoria Street, said they were huge fans and posed for a picture with him - but admitted they had not registered to vote.

Mr Izzard admonished: "Well, it's even your democratic choice not to vote - but register for next time!"