NICK Clegg was hoping to “strike” a blow for the Lib Dems when he dropped into Colchester for a spot of ten pin bowling.

The deputy Prime Minister had a match with Armed Forces veterans and Colchester Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Sir Bob Russell at Leisure World yesterday.

Despite failing to get a strike, and landing one ball in the gutter, he managed to finish his game joint first.

He also beat Sir Bob, who came in one point behind him.

Mr Clegg said: “I used to bowl many years ago, although I’m disappointed with my score.

“Sir Bob thinks he won and I think I won. It’s a great bit of fun and lovely to be able to speak to the veterans again since I visited them in February.”

Supporters crowded round to have photos with the leader of the Lib Dems, with a host of photographers running down the bowling aisles to catch a glimpse of him in action.

It is the second time in two months Mr Clegg has come to Colchester – the last was in February when he announced he would be pumping £500,000 into helping those who left the Armed Forces who found themselves homeless.

His visit came on the day he announced plans to cut wealthy pensioners’ free TV Licence and winter fuel allowance.

He said: “We are very confident Sir Bob is going to win again, but we are not complacent.

“The Tories have all this money from their hedge funds which they are flooding the streets of Colchester with.

“Elections should not be won with money and with Sir Bob, you have someone who is hard working and has been doing that in Colchester for years of loyal, local service.

“Sir Bob is standing for a party which wants to balance the books fairly.”

! Other candidates standing for election in Colchester are Mark Goacher (Green), Jordan Newell (Labour), John Pitts (Ukip), Will Quince (Con) and Ken Scrimshaw (Christian Peoples Alliance).