Labour may be beating the Tories in the pre-election polls but when it comes to their choice of under-wear the Tories are streets ahead.

Conservatives have been snapping up pairs of blue knickers which are, well, quite conservative.

The delightful but rather modest pants, complete with the party emblem, would not be out of place in Bridget Jones' underwear drawer.

It seems they may soon be the latest must-have accessory for many of the Tory party faithful as well.

The knickers are the brainchild of Ian and Jackie Whitworth, from Telscombe Cliffs.

They run Say It With Knickers, an on-line knicker mailing service, and send out personalised knickers with messages hand-stitched on to them.

As the General Election was announced, they decided to liven up the campaigns by sending details of their latest election range to constituency offices around the country.

As well as the blue Conservative full briefs there also green thongs for the Greens, orange boy pants for the Lib Dems, high leg pants in yellow for the SNP, purple bikini briefs for UKIP and, of course, a sexy pair of red ones for Labour.

Yet the question of whether Tony Blair is preparing to wear a pair on election night under his sharp dark suit is one still to be answered.

Ian said: "Their slogans, Are You Thinking What We're Thinking?, Looking Forwards Not Backwards and The Real Alternative look very funny on a pair of knickers.

"They are actually causing quite a storm and we've generally had a warm response.

"The first order came in ten minutes after we sent the emails.

"From the constituency offices we have contacted so far the Conservatives are way in front in terms of orders placed. Then it's the Lib Dems, with Labour trailing at the back."

He said many of the orders were gifts to be given after the election to candidates' teams.

Others he hoped will be used as part of the campaigns. Ian said: "We like the idea that people are voting with their knickers."

Nicholas Boles, Conservative candidate for Hove and Portslade, said: "It doesn't bear thinking about, John Prescott in knickers, but his policy on the Falmer stadium is pants."

David Lepper, Labour candidate for Brighton Pavilion, said it was an interesting idea.

He said: "The impression I get at the moment is that my opponents are getting their knickers in a twist.

"When it comes down to the bare essentials, face to face contact is best but if we were showing our knickers we are not sure what sort of response we would get."

Lib Dem Paul Elgood, who is also standing for Hove and Portslade, said: "Anything which increases awareness, and therefore turnout, in the election is very welcome. Some brief fun always adds to the campaigning."

The Lib Dems are enjoying rising support in this election.

"By wearing political underwear, people are saying pants to the parties they don't support."

The couple are planning to target the Greens, the SNP and UKIP.

Ian said: "We have barely scratched the surface and are hoping to contact many more candidates by the time the election comes along."

For orders and more info, visit www.sayitwithknickers.com