SHOPPERS in Brynmawr spotted a familiar face among the crowds in Asda on Saturday as Home Secretary Alan Johnson paid a visit.

Mr Johnson was on the campaign trail with Nick Smith, Labour's Blaenau Gwent constituency candidate and stopped off at the supermarket to meet staff and chat to shoppers, along with Welsh Secretary Peter Hain.

'We need your support' was the message being given out by both Mr Johnson and Mr Smith in their aim to recapture the seat in what was once a Labour stronghold.

Mr Johnson, who was only answering questions about crime and anti social behaviour, said although the most recent Home Office figures showed crime in Gwent has risen seven per cent in the past year, overall the national crime rate had fallen, which was unusual in a recession.

He said: "We have just been through the height of a recession - the worst recession since the 1930s - and in a recession crime goes up. In 1991/92, crime went up 18 per cent nationally, but in this recession crime is down eight per cent.

"The issues are about the measures that we have to tackle crime. We now have more police officers and PCSOs than ever before. It's also about anti-social behaviour, which is something that we have been categorising as crime. We have instituted 17 powers that the police and local authorities can use to tackle anti-social behaviour."

Mr Johnson said focus shifted away from anti-social behaviour towards counter-terrorism after the 2005 terrorist attacks in London, but the emphasis was now back on tackling the problem.

He said: "It's important not to be complacent about this. We are now pushing back against anti-social behaviour and trying to give victims the support they need."

The politicians chatted to shoppers and staff in the store and Mr Johnson said the reaction had been good.

He said: "We're trying to convince people that we do need their support. If you don't vote Labour in this election then there is a chance we won't get in."

Mr Johnson said he was confident Mr Smith would do well in the Blaenau Gwent constituency and be a good representative for the area.

Mr Smith said: "It's neck and neck between myself and Dai Davies, the People's Voice candidate. I've been getting quite a good response and using a lot of shoe leather up here. It should be close, but I'm hoping to pinch this seat back for Labour."

After enjoying a cuppa with shoppers in the cafe, Mr Johnson and his entourage had a tour of the store, speaking to staff and having a look at the produce on offer.

* Nominations for candidates close tomorrow. Others contesting the seat so far include Liz Stevenson (CON) and Matt Smith (LIB DEM)