LABOUR leader Ed Miliband came to Runcorn on Saturday.

He chatted to children and posed for selfies as he mounted his battle bus at the railway station.

He was greeted by Weaver Vale Labour candidate Julia Tickridge and Halton MP Derek Twigg.

Asked what difference he would make to the lives of Runcorn residents if he became Prime Minister, Mr Miliband said: “The Tories may boast about economy recovery, but as people in Runcorn know, this has not reached the doors of working families.

“Labour will reward hard work by raising the minimum wage to more than £8, freeze energy bills and extend free childcare.

“We will restore the dream of home ownership by building at least 200,000 new homes.”

He said patients would benefit from improved access as he plans to recruit 8,000 extra GPs and guarantee appointments within 48 hours.

He added: “If David Cameron gets back in, his extreme spending cuts mean he can’t protect the NHS and the queues outside GP surgeries will get even worse.”

Mr Twigg said: “It was great to have him here.

“He received a fantastic reception from Labour party members and supporters and members of the public.

“He posed with every child who wanted to have a picture taken with him.”

Mr Miliband thanked party activists for their support.