AN allegation that a Tory council candidate broke election rules by advertising a free trip to Clacton for youngsters has been referred to the police.

Blaine Robin, Conserv-ative Southend Council candidate for Kursaal ward, has been accused of "election gimmicks" by Labour rivals.

This weekend, Mr Robin handed out leaflets for a free children's day-trip to Clacton.

The leaflet says Mr Robin's Kursaal People's Foundation is working in association with the Southend Taxi Drivers' charity fund to offer the free trip on August 6. It carries Mr Robin's name as chairman of the foundation.

Kursaal ward Labour councillor Judy McMahon has made an official complaint to the council.

Now Andy Wallace, the borough's head of democratic services, has referred it to the police, as he is legally obliged to do.

Labour spokesman Ian Gilbert said: "We find it sickening Mr Robin is using charitable giving in this way.

"If he were acting purely through a desire to help people, he could have done this a week after the borough elections, rather than a week before."

Labour members want to know if the leaflet breaches Section 114 of the Representation of the People Act, which bans the direct or indirect, provision of food, drink or entertainment in order to influence voters.

Mr Robin said: "What I have done is totally harmless. I and the foundation just helped deliver some leaflets about it, I haven't said I'm great, vote for me'.

"My track record with the charity fund goes back many years.

"I am an occupational therapist and work with children with disabilities and I am proud to be a part of it."

The taxi drivers' charity has organised the day trip for the past 36 years. President Brian Houssart is adamant no politics are involved.

Mr Houssart said: "Mr Robin has been involved with the charity fund for ten years - before he stood for election.

"It is very unfair to say he is using us.

"We are using him and the Kursaal People's Foundation, in the same way we are working with the Woodgrange Residents' Association, to get to the children and let them know about the trip.

"It is a coincidence he is standing for election in the ward.

"I am very angry any party would try to use the charity fund in the local elections."

He added the leaflets had been sent out now to give parents plenty of time to book a place.