GORDON Brown paid a flying visit to Basildon today to support Labour candidate Angela Smith.

Mr Brown, who is on a series of visits across the country, dropped in at Abby Couriers in Luckyn Lane, Basildon.

He was greeted by a group of Labour supporters waving placards and staff, taking time to shake their hands.

The Prime Minister met with Mark Giles, managing director of the firm, and its founder Reg Giles, to congratulate them on their business success and pioneering use of electric cars.

Mr Brown described Mrs Smith as magnificent, as she fights to win the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency, and paid tribute to the business.

Mr Brown said: “It's the entrepreneurs that make a difference and if you can do something to help their productivity it's worth doing.

“This company is small but it has a big idea for the future.”

The Prime Minister spoke to surprised company staff for around 40 minutes before departing on another stop on the election trail.