Outspoken MP Nicholas Soames has angrily denied writing a leaked letter encouraging colleagues to whip up fears about "concreting over of the countryside".

Several newspapers, including The Argus, received copies of a letter on Houses of Parliament headed paper purporting to be from Mr Soames to Mid Sussex Conservative Association chairman Colin Field.

The letter contained thanks for organising a party to celebrate the Mid Sussex MP's 21 years in Parliament last July.

The letter, dated July 12, reads: "I enjoyed myself enormously as the whole thing was so unexpected and it was a marvellous idea to invite Michael Portillo.

"The gifts were most generous and I attach a letter of thanks to be circulated as appropriate.

"I would be grateful if you could keep up the pressure locally during the parliamentary recess. We need to use the Silly Season to instil a sense of fear into the electorate over the 'concreting over of the countryside' issue.

"Your idea of claiming that the Regional Assembly will force 50,000 more houses on West Sussex should make the headlines ... "

Mr Soames insisted: "It's a fake. It has been referred to the authorities and will be dealt with."

Mr Field said the only discussion he had with Mr Soames that night was about a lunch at Ardingly Showground the association is organising for next Friday with ex-rugby star Will Carling as guest speaker.