WITH hours to go until the polling stations close on the 2010 general election the candidates are still working hard in Hampstead and Kilburn. They are out and about on the election trail persuading people to cast their votes and all have said the turnout

WITH hours to go until the polling stations close on the 2010 general election the candidates are still working hard in Hampstead and Kilburn.

They are out and about on the election trail persuading people to cast their votes and all have said the turnout is looking huge.

Liberal Democrat Ed Fordham, who is odds on favourite at Ladbrokes at 4/9, was out rallying residents to go and vote.

He said: "I have been out getting votes and persuading people to get down to the polling stations and vote - which is not taking much persuading.

"Everyone is aware of this election and there will be a real rush this evening. I am just trying to stay calm and press on with the job I have got to do speaking to as many people as possible. Exciting times."

Conservative candidate Chris Philp is second favourite at 11/4 with incumbent Labour MP Glenda Jackson trailing in third with odds of 13/2.

Mr Philp, who has got an election tan from all the campaigning, said: "I am feeling very positive and optimistic. The turnout is going to be huge - absolutely enormous.

"I have got a great feeling and a lot of support. I feel very optimistic. So many people have turned out because they know it is time to change the government and they realise the only way to do that is to vote Conservative."

The Ham and High will be publishing live stories and results from Chalk Farm from 10pm until the early hours of Friday morning.