ESTHER Rantzen dropped into St Helens last Thursday to lend her support to ex-TV and charity colleague Shaun Woodward, in his bid for St Helens South.

The star, who was in the North West to set up a local branch of her charity, Childline, made a detour from a black and white ball she was attending to show her affection and support to Shaun, who used to work as a researcher on the popular TV show, That's Life!

And Shaun greeted his old friend with open arms and the pair then smiled for the scores of photographers who were eager to grasp the photo opportunity.

Afterwards Esther said that she had not been disappointed with her welcome: "It was worth making the journey - just for that kiss!"

Dressed in a sparkling black ball gown and stole, Esther praised Shaun's work on her television programme and was sure that his skills would be transferrrable to his role as an MP: "He was a confident and wonderful worker on That's Life! and did tremendous work with disadvantaged and vulnerable people."

And when questioned, Esther commented that "certain people in St Helens" fitted such a description.

But Esther insisted that, if elected, Shaun would do his best for the people of St Helens and added that she would be happy to help out wherever she could.