LIBERAL Democrat candidate for North Dorset Hugo Mieville says he believes being elected would give him a stronger platform to campaign on local issues.

The long-serving Milton Abbey School teacher said the constituency had been neglected by Westminster and left with substandard amenities and transport links, alienating the rural population.

In particular, he plans to promote a 'Rural Bill of Rights' in an effort to tackle inequality in the distribution of funding to the regions.

"I hope that being elected will allow me to set out some legislation on this in Parliament, then I would feel that my role had been absolutely worthwhile," said Mr Mieville, who lives in Blandford.

"The Liberal Democrats have always done well in the West Country as the only major opposition to the Tories.

"I know to some people this might seem slightly blurred due to the Coalition, but to my mind we are still the really credible opposition in this area."