TWO Gwent Labour seats appear to be too close to call just hours before voting starts.

Blaenau Gwent and Monmouth could prove to be an upset for Tony Blair in tomorrow's General Election.

Candidates in both areas were making their final push for votes today. In the Labour heartland of Blaenau Gwent, the party faces its toughest battle.

Bookmakers have made independent candidate Peter Law the favourite to overturn a 19,500 Labour majority and triumph over Labour's Maggie Jones in his stand against an all-women shortlist.

Mr Law said: "I think it could be close but I'm not under any misapprehensions - we are in a area ingrained with a tradition of voting for Labour.

"You have to be realistic about it but, having said that, there is definitely a feeling that people want to send a message to Tony Blair and Peter Hain." Maggie Jones believed the battle was finally being won by Labour as polling day loomed.

"We do recognise that this is a closely run campaign but we are running an effective campaign and we are getting lots of support," said Ms Jones. "People are now realising it is about electing the next government and all the issues that go with it rather than one man's personal ambition."

Bookies are tipping Labour to take a bloody nose in both seats. Jack Brown has stopped taking bets on a Tory victory in Monmouth while Peter Law is odds on favourite at 8/11 to beat Maggie Jones who is even money.

Bookies believe David Davies AM will romp home on the night and have given second favourite Huw Edwards long odds of 11/2.

Mr Davies said he believed it was going to be a photo-finish: "I'm feeling quite optimistic about it although it's going to be a very close call in Monmouthshire."

Huw Edwards, also in confident mood, added: "I think it is going to be close and I think it's important people realise that a vote for the Liberal Democrats or just abstaining may lead to the Conservatives winning." l Other candidates standing in Monmouth are: John Bufton, UKIP; Jonathan Clark, Plaid; and Phil Hobson, Lib Dem.

Other Blaenau Gwent candidates are: Dr Phillip Lee, Con; Peter Osborne, UKIP; John Price, Plaid; and Brian Thomas, Lib Dem.