POLITICAL big-hitters were on the charm offensive in Newport this weekend, campaigning for every last vote in the run up to Thursday's General Election.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman and Transport minister Lord Adonis were busy shaking hands with voters and bigging up their city candidates just days before voters take to the polls.

Harriet Harman kicked-off the visits as she hit the streets of Newport on Saturday to show her gratitude and support to Newport candidates, Paul Flynn and Jessica Morden.

Ms Harman joined the two candidates seeking re-election in Newport West and East in the city centre where she told Labour party supporters and passing shoppers that this Thursday will be the most important election for a generations.

Ms Harman said: “This is a straight choice between Labour in government and the Conservatives in government. I know people in Wales do not have short memories and they remember the terrible things that happened under the Tories. We are fighting to win and it’s all to play for.”

One woman stopped to confront Ms Harman about the bitterness she felt over Labour’s actions during the past few years.

Ms Harman said she could understand why some voters had become disillusioned with politicians in the wake of the recession and the expenses scandal, but voting was still a “big important choice.”

On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people packed the Riverfront theatre to welcome the Liberal Democrat leader and his wife Miriam.

Lib Dem supporters waved banners saying 'I agree with Nick' and cheering as his battle bus rolled into town.

Mr Clegg was greeted by Newport West Lid Dem candidate Ed Townsend as he appealed to "let down" Labour voters and those who have supported the "fake change" Conservatives in the past to vote for his "people's party."

Mr Clegg spoke to eight-year-old Catrina Higgins and her mum Claire from Blaenavon who were impressed with his speach.

Mrs Higgins, who was one of the people who campaigned to save Blaenavon Leisure Centre from closure said: "The Lib Dems were the only party to listen to us udring our campaign. I believe in him and its time for a change."

Newport property developer Sofique Miah questioned Mr Clegg on his plan to get banks lending again, but was not really satisfied with his response: "I know what has gone wrong with the banks, I need to know what he is going to do about it."

Lord Andrew Adonis was met by Labour's Newport West candidate Paul Flynn before going to see the progress being made to repair the city’s iconic Transporter Bridge yesterday.

Speaking at the bridge's visitor centre he said urged voters to choose Labour this Thursday.

He said:"It is clear that the Tories are planning huge cuts in public spending and that will have a disproportionate impact on places like Newport. Not just in terms of service cuts, but public sector job losses too."