Back from Marsden Grange Care Home in Nelson where the residents are having a Parliamentary Day. It is a great idea.

I have been round most of the bigger residential care homes in the course of the campaign.

The Conservative candidate, Andrew Stephenson, was at Marsden Grange this morning. The Lib Dem, Afzal Anwar, follows me later.

There are two separate lounges decked out with union jacks. It is all very jolly.

Tables are loaded with cakes and biscuits. There’s tea and, for those who would like something stronger, sherry.

I get questions about the Government’s plans for a National Care Service. Then one or two on crime. Another on immigration. One on respect and some comments on faith and its importance.

I talk about how good it is to live longer, surrounded by friends and good company.

I tell them that, statistically, I can expect to live until I am 77. But people are living ever longer. So a boy born in 2008 can expect to live until he is 89.

As I finish, they give the youngster a round of applause.