RAMSBOTTOM’S high street attracted the attentions of former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith as he indulged in a shopping spree.

The Work and Pensions Secretary, who first stood for Parliament in 1987, browsed a number of shops in Bridge Street and Bolton Street during a visit to the town on Monday.

Starting off in The Hungry Duck, Mr Duncan Smith enjoyed a slice of toast with tea before heading off to Eclectic Deli and Cookshop in Bolton Street.

Mr Duncan Smith visited six shops on his tour of the high street and said: “I’m here today supporting David who has been part of the core cabinet team in campaigning and a fantastic local MP.

“I’ve come to see the town’s high street and visit local shops for a look at how their businesses are.”

Walmsley’s Butchers, DIY store Woodholme Supplies, Entwistles Deli and uniform shop Murray’s all featured on the campaign trail alongside parliamentary candidate David Nuttall.

While on his tour, Mr Duncan Smith spoke about the importance of pensions, claiming that the Conservative Government has done the most for the retired community.

“This Conservative government has done more for pensioners than any other party.

“The money that you save should be yours; I don’t believe anyone should take it away or tell you what to spend it on.

“That’s why the change in pensions is much better now because people can take their pension and spend it on what they like – they don’t have to buy an annuity.

“It might be spent on helping grandchildren or children or people might invest it in housing.

“I don’t know what different people want to invest it, in but they now have the freedom to spend their hard-earned cash the way they want.”

Chancellor George Osborne removed the law that retirees must buy into an annuity – which convert a person's pension savings into an income for the rest of their life.

Mr Duncan Smith’s shopping list:

Tea and toast at The Hungry Duck £5

Tea strainer from Eclectic Deli and Cookshop £5

Eight pork pies from Walmsley’s Butchers £8.40 – which he was gifted

Sticky round felt pads from Woodholme Supplies £1.65

Lancashire sauce from Entwistles £3