MO Mowlam showed why she is one of Britain's best loved politicians on a tour of Chepstow yesterday.

The former Northern Ireland secretary joined Huw Edwards, the Labour candidate for Monmouth, and former Northern Ireland office colleague Paul Murphy in the town centre and charmed supporters and non-supporters alike on a 30-minute walkabout.

Don Swift, aged 68, from Tutshill, demonstrated how highly she is regarded even by people who do not share her beliefs. He said: "Labour won't get my vote, but it was nice to meet you."

Even the police officers overseeing her visit praised her "down to earth" nature as she shared a moment with them.

She took a chip from Gerald Murray who had cycled over from Almondsbury with wife Joan to meet her. "She's a lovely lady," said Joan.

Gerald added: "I hope she gets to do something special, like education." "He's a teacher," his wife explained.

Strolling up the hill, often hand- in-hand with either Mr Murphy or Mr Edwards, Dr Mowlam met a wide variety of people.

Steve Pearson, who was seated on a bench outside Barclay's Bank, gave Dr Mowlam her toughest questions as he took her party to task over the NHS and school class sizes. "We haven't changed our values, principles or basic beliefs," she told him. "I still believe in the NHS. The Tories would privatise it, they don't believe in it."

Mr Pearson, who had come from Tidenham with wife Helen and daughter Sarah, said he admired Dr Mowlam.

"She's done a fantastic job. But I think when we have the opportunity to speak to politicians we should give them a hard time."

He said he was disappointed that the Labour government hadn't done more with its huge majority in the last parliament.

Huw Edwards was delighted such a charismatic performer was boosting his campaign. "She's had a remarkable reception. People have a real empathy with Mo. There are certain personalities that always stand out for integrity and independence of mind - she is one of them."

Paul Murphy was delighted to catch up with his old friend who was his boss when he was a junior minister for Northern Ireland. They entered parliament at the same time and keep in touch regularly.