CANVASSERS for all political parties have been out in force in East Wickham ward in Welling, door knocking before tomorrow's by-election.

Political pundits claim the result of the election, caused by the death of Tory councillor Alf Catterall in October last year, is too close to call.

Joining the parties on the streets have been members of Hope Against Hate, including staff from Searchlight, the anti-fascist magazine, Dev Barrah from Greenwich Council for Racial Equality and Barking and Dagenham councillor John White.

Voting takes place tomorrow (January 22) and polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.

The five candidates are: Pat Ball (Labour), Michael Barnbrook (British National Party), Grace Goodlad (Liberal Democrat), Steven Hall (Conservative) and Laurence Williams (English Democrats).