It was a case of four men in a boat when Foreign Secretary Robin Cook hit the campaign trail in Brighton yesterday.

He joined Labour parliamentary candidates Des Turner, David Lepper and Ivor Caplin in an upturned fishing boat on the seafront.

Mr Cook bought a souvenir of the new city during his trip to the seaside.

He also bought two smoked kippers for £3.58 from Jack and Linda Mills in their shop on the seafront, next to the Fishing Museum.

Mr Cook asked whether they were as good as the kippers in Aberdeen and Linda Mills said they should be even better.

He then handed the aromatic package to an aide before carrying on with his breezy coastal visit.

Mr Cook said he was impressed by the museum, which forms the centrepiece of the seafront redevelopment in Brighton.

By investing £1 million in improving run-down arches, the council has been able to attract more than £3 million in private sector investment.

Mr Cook said: "I am impressed to see the way in which Brighton has been caring for its heritage."

Accompanied by the three Labour Parliamentary candidates for the city, Ivor Caplin (Hove), David Lepper (Pavilion) and Des Turner (Kemp Town), he said: "I am sure we will see them all back at Westminster after the election."