CONSERVATIVE leader Michael Howard left Bournemouth on Thursday after a rousing speech to the party faithful.

Delegates listened intently as he urged voters to join the party.

He claimed the Tories are the only choice for those who want value for money for their taxes, a war on crime, honesty and accountability.

And he once again stressed the party's immediate priorities - school discipline, more police, cleaner hospitals, lower taxes and controlled immigration.

"The hopes and dreams of millions of people are resting on us - let's get going," he told a packed conference hall at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Mr Howard described this year's conference as "fantastic" and was joined in his praise by delegates who said Bournemouth is a great conference venue.

Peter Whitelaw, from London, was born in Boscombe and said he is delighted to have returned to Bournemouth as a delegate.

"I always enjoy coming here because it brings back many happy memories. Bournemouth has changed a lot but I still love it."

And Peter Younghusband, chairman of the Streatham Hill ward in London added: "I like Bournemouth - it has excellent facilities and is definitely the best venue for conferences. I think it is better than Blackpool or Brighton."

The end of the conference also spells the end of Operation Pegasus 2004, the security operation which has protected visitors and residents throughout the conference.

High-security fencing and reinforced bollards around the conference site are due to be removed on Friday.

First published: October 8