THE Conservative candidate hoping to unseat George Galloway took to the saddle in Bradford West on Saturday with a helping hand from senior Tory Sir Alan Duncan.

Former newspaper foreign correspondent George Grant stepped his campaign up a gear at well-known bike manufacturers Pennine Cycles on Thornton Road.

Owners Paul and Sandra Corcoran gave Sir Alan and Mr Grant a detailed tour of their sales area and workshop, which produces tailor-made cycles for customers around the world.

"The business has been going since 1946 and our latest bike is just being sent to Switzerland," said Mrs Corcoran.

Sir Alan asked why she thought cycling was enjoying such a boom.

"It started with Bradley Wiggins in the Olympics, which is when cycling became cool, then we had the TdF Grand Depart and now the Tour de Yorkshire," said Mrs Corcoran.

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"We took over the business 15 years ago and we're so proud to be building bikes here in Bradford.

"I'm a Bradford lass and although I was brought up Labour, I feel the Conservatives are still the party which supports small business the most.

"Also given everything that's happened to the economy in recent years we need everything to just stay the same for a bit," Mrs Corcoran.

Her husband agreed and added: "I don't think George Galloway has actually done much for West Bradford.

"What we need is someone who will actually bother to come here and talk to people like me and offer to help."

Pennine Cycles creates dream machines with prices starting at over £2,000 and Mr Grant, a keen cyclist who rides thousands of miles a year, said it was a great example of independent success.

"I don't compete, but I do a lot of miles to make up for all the curry I eat!" he said.

"My key aims for Bradford West are helping businesses like this grow and create jobs, improving community relations after a lot of false demonisation of Muslim people and generally improving trust and respect," said Mr Grant, who worked as a journalist in Libya.

Former Government minister Sir Alan said voters should choose who he called "the better George."

"George Grant will both work in his constituency and also give voters a voice in Parliament," he said.

Sir Alan and Mr Grant then headed off to the Ring O’Bells pub in Thornton followed by the Punjab Sweet House on Listerhills Road.