Conservatives say their canvassing has shown they are the favourite to win both Luton parliamentary seats at the next general election.

Party activists say they plan to contact every home in the town before the next general election, and that results from the 1,000 already canvassed by phone or in person put them ahead of Labour and the Lib Dems.

They have been using software called Merlin which identifies and tracks voting pledges, people's key issues and concerns, and helps develop campaigning and direct mailing programmes. The party also says bookmakers have them as the favourite to win in Luton at the next election.

Prospective parliamentary candidate for Luton North, Jeremy Brier, said: "The canvassing has shown that there are no 'no go' areas for the Conservatives in Luton, and we have received a very positive welcome in parts of Luton that Labour have traditionally taken for granted: in Marsh Farm, Biscot and Dallow, for example."

Luton South candidate, Nigel Huddleston, added: "We have seen a considerable increase in membership in the last year and are particularly pleased to have gained many new younger members and many members from Luton's Muslim community."