SHADOW Home Secretary Oliver Letwin was impressed by the work of C-FAR when he visited the charity's base in Highampton last Thursday.

Mr Letwin met C-FAR's chief executive Lt Col Trevor Philpott and other officials before receiving a tour of the premises and chatting with trainees.

C-FAR spokesman Richard White said it had been a major coup to receive a visit from someone as high up as Oliver Letwin and he was 'gobsmacked' by what he saw.

'He was impressed by the holistic approach we use on our adolescent rehabilitation courses, from parenting skills to IT, English and maths and social skills,' said Mr White.

'All the Government reports which are coming out suggest this type of approach as the way forward, but Mr Letwin was surprised that the Home Office has not backed us yet, although we have a bid in for funding.'

C-FAR officials have been invited back to London for discussions as to how the Conservative Party can help the charity if it wins the next election.