WITH Strictly Come Dancing fever at its height, there was a familiar face to viewers in Okehampton on October 30 — former MP and minister Ann Widdecombe.

Ms Widdecombe was the guest of honour at the Okehampton Conservative Club. During the first part of the evening she gave a potted history of her time in politics, having served as an MP from 1987 to 2010. She spoke of her time on enterting Westminster when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, being a novelist, privy councillor, minister of state, shadow health secretary and being a Christian in politics.

She also spoke about her various television appearances such as Strictly Come Dancing, Have I Got News For You and her cameo on an episode of Doctor Who.

The second part of the evening was a question and answer session, covering a range of topics from her television appearances to the NHS and Europe.

Organiser of the event, Cllr the Rev Mike Davies, said: 'Ann was a fascinating speaker and was certainly entertaining. I am sure the evening was enjoyed by everyone who attended.'

Mel Stride MP is to speak at the next Conservative Club event on the evening of Friday, December 19. Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased from the club or from Mike Davies — telephone 01837 659841.