'HARD questions' would be asked of MAFF over the foot and mouth disaster was the word from Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy when he spoke to farmers at Hatherleigh on Friday.

But instead of apportioning blame he said it was important to get the situation under control, get the recovery in place and learn from the mistakes.

With Mr Kennedy's arrival, this pit stop on the electioneering trail cranked up from anticipation to overdrive. Minders, on-bus journalists and party faithful stepped out into a photo-frenzy.

A greeting from Liberal Democrat candidate John Burnett, who holds the seat for West Devon and Torridge, and some heckling from protestors, were drowned by the powerful growls of the bus's engine.

Listening to the concerns of locals and answering questions fired by the accompanying press posse Kennedy's Hatherleigh walkabout had something of an up-beat energising air about it.

'I think there are serious lessons to be learned from the woolly and mixed response of the Government in the early stages,' said Mr Kennedy.

It was vital, he said, not to let the concerns slip after the election.

'This party wouldn't do that. There are so many areas that we represent — and they will be hard hit long after the media circus has left.'

He recognised that for a lot of communities like Hatherleigh the 'problem is actually just beginning'.

Mr Kennedy said the Liberal Democrats had argued for a department of rural affairs. He also said there should be more 'incentive and support' given to organic farming.

When Mr Kennedy's big orange battle bus rolled into Hatherleigh there was plenty to entertain the town's famous sculpture of three farmers and their modest flock of concrete sheep in the car park entrance — it was as if they had strolled up from the cattle market for Mr Kennedy's visit, and turned to stone.

Seeking something eye-catching the stone farmers were highjacked by photographers — and the affable Mr Kennedy dispatched to drape his arm around their concrete shoulders like a long-lost friend.

An unexpected side-show came with Conservative candidate Geoffrey Cox's LandRover playing political dodgems. Tannoying 'Land of Hope and Glory' his vehicle did a brief lap of the car park before setting off about the town — patriotic flags fluttering from the roof.

But while journalists eddied around Mr Kennedy, a few determined protestors managed to get their points across.

Tearoom owner Judy Carless, representing the Living Exmoor Group, squeezed through to reach him. She managed to explain the difficulties facing businesses as a result of the foot and mouth crisis. 'We are in desperate, desperate straits,' she said.

Ron Dawson, a landlord from Petrockstowe, failed to catch Mr Kennedy's eye or the press' ear with his vocal protest about the proposed Ash Moor pit burning.

But a heated street debate on the subject with farmer and councillor Sonia Lindsay proved too tempting for the media. Torn between the leader's brief visit to the West Devon Help Centre and an animated Mr Dawson they swung the spotlight on the latter.

Fortunately, the Hatherleigh bypass routes traffic around the town. Otherwise the press pack, walking backwards up the main street, may not have survived as Mr Kennedy headed towards the Acorn Cafe.

Inside, Bubbles Matthews from the local luncheon club made room for the Liberal Democrat leader at her table while she supped the froth from a pint of Guinness and tucked into chicken and broccoli pie.

There was just time for some straight political talking in the garden before Mr Kennedy headed towards the market.

John Burnett was 'thrilled' with Mr Kennedy's visit: 'Here was our leader coming down and being available for everybody to speak to — in marked contrast to the showcase visits of other parties.'

Afterwards, a wit in the heaving bar of the George Hotel remarked 'they should bring Charles Kennedy down more often' as an aid to the area's rejuvenation.

'Just look at the number of people having a drink!'