A SENIOR Liberal Democrat MP visited Swindon to meet students.

David Rendel, Lib Dem spokesman on higher education, met students at New College to discuss tuition fees.

Ben Barrat, 17, was one of the A-level students there.

"I think that it is an important issue for today's students so I am glad to hear that there are politicians concerned about it," he said. "I think that it does seem unfair that people should be put at a disadvantage because of money when education should be free for all."

Ben, from West Swindon, is studying English literature, history, German and politics and has been offered a place to study history at Cambridge next year.

Mr Rendel has been visiting higher education establishments across the country. "I really enjoyed talking to all the students," he said. "They are very worried about tuition fees.

"One or two of them said they did not know the Lib Dems managed to get a change, so that if you get a place at university this year but go on a gap year you can still pay the lower fees. I hope people will feel they are able to do that."

Mr Rendel also went canvassing with Nicky Sewell, Lib Dem candidate for the Walcot by-election next week.