AS a loyal member of the Conservative Party, Henry Forse wanted his election leaflets to reflect his true blue status.

However, they appear at first glance to be a little too blue.

Voters could be forgiven for thinking sex will be freely available if Mr Forse wins a district council by-election in the New Forest.

A printing oversight has resulted in the letter X being placed too close to his name.

The leaflets should read "Vote Forse X" - but look as if they say "Vote For Sex".

What appears to be a saucy policy commitment has amused voters in the Bramshaw, Copythorne North and Minstead ward, where voting takes place next Thursday.

"Everyone seems to have found it hilarious," said Mr Forse, 71.

"David Harrison, one of the Lib Dem councillors in Totton, has referred to my leaflets as election Viagra', which I thought was quite funny."

Mr Forse, who describes himself as "a bit of a prude", added: "Now I've got over it I find it rather amusing myself.

"I don't know if it will encourage more people to vote for me."

Julian Lewis, Tory MP for New Forest East, studied what appears to be Mr Forse's X-rated election pledge and joked: "I'm sure we can trust Henry to deliver on his promise!"

The Lib Dem candidate, Tony Gray, said: "I can see the funny side but it's a bit of a blunder."

Mr Forse's election agent, Beverely Thorne, said: " The Vote Forse' message looked too small so we made it slightly larger, which resulted in the gap between his name and the X closing up. There's nothing wrong with the document - it's just the way it reads."