AN UPBEAT Michael Howard breezed into Northallerton this week to launch his party's European election campaign.

The Tory leader shook hands and chatted with shoppers in the High Street - even checking on the sales performance of local beef at a well-known butcher's shop.

As part of the official launch in the Golden Lion Hotel, Richmond MP and former Conservative leader William Hague described his time in office as "something of a night shift.

"Now, morning has broken," he told a packed ballroom at the hotel.

During his foray in the High Street, Mr Howard called at Thompson's Butchers, where proprietor Martin Liddle told him business was brisk.

"William Hague is a customer of ours," said Mr Liddle. "He likes good beef and that's what we sell.

"Mr Howard asked how well beef sells in this area and we were able to give him a positive message. This is a farming area and we look after each other."

At the Golden Lion, Hambleton and town councillors were among a large crowd waiting for Mr Howard to arrive on the campaign bus.

The campaign in Yorkshire and Humber was launched by the Conservatives' European Parliament leader Jonathan Evans.

"This election is vital," he said. "It is a chance to send a clear message to Tony Blair - that on Europe, he does not speak for us. We don't want a federal state of Europe.

"Our priorities for the next five years include promoting UK markets; speaking up for farmers and exposing cases of fraud and waste."

Mr Hague welcomed Mr Howard back to the Richmond constituency.

Remarking that this was the first time the pair had spoken from the same platform since Mr Howard became party leader, Mr Hague said: "There is strong support for him. He has had a cracking start as leader and his performances in the House of Commons have been devastating."

Mr Howard said: "Our vision for Europe is clear. We want the UK to stay a member of an EU which is flexible and outward-looking; which responds to the needs of member states and does not try to stifle them.

"The one-size-fits-all approach is where we oppose the European constitution. We don't want to be part of a country called Europe.

"Our vision is live and let live; flourish and let flourish."

The party would also negotiate to restore control over fisheries.

Earlier in the day, Mr Howard - accompanied by Mr Hague and shadow environment and transport secretary Theresa May - had met a group of North Yorkshire farmers for a private session at Danby Wiske.

* See Farming News: page 21