New Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg paid a whistle stop visit to Watford today and left describing the town as a future election "battleground".

The leader of Britain's third largest party visited West Herts College to chat with Travel and Tourism students, give his views on higher education and take part in a question and answer sessions with the college's future voters.

Talking to politics students at the Cassio Campus, in north Watford, he said more needed to be done to improve higher education in the country.

He said: "I was very, very keen come to this college as I've heard a lot about it.

"I've taught in the higher education sector myself and I am thoroughly convinced that we are not doing enough for teenagers , particularly 16 to 18 year olds, and giving them the chance to succeed in getting vocational qualifications and getting ahead.

"It is a dramatically under funded sector."

After taking in the college's new 60 foot aeroplane fuselage - an out of service BAC1-11 - Mr Clegg then took part in a debate with A-level politics students, during which he tackled subjects including knife crime, the health service and dealing with terrorism.

Before leaving he said Watford would be a target for the Lib Dems at the next general election.

He added: "Obviously Watford in an area where the party has been very strong and I think on the whole the Lib Dems are recognised as successful as working for the local community.

"This is a battle ground, but I am not here today for electioneering, I am here to see what is going on at the college and in the local community."