CONSERVATIVE politician William Hague dropped into Willowbrook Nursery near Wellington for a surprise visit on Friday, with Prospective MP Rebecca Pow.

Hague was given a guided tour of the extensive enterprise by owner Carol Grabham and said the nursery was ‘a shining example’.

He said: “Willowbrook Nursery is a shining example of a business that has been built up by one family from scratch over 25 years.

“Now it not only offers a wide range of plants, many of which are grown at the nursery, but the business has also diversified to include a cafe, fish and pet department, wine business and is also home to an architectural practice.

“It suffered desperately when the whole place was flooded last year and it is remarkable to see how the business has bounced back and is stronger than ever.

“It shows that hard work and enterprise pays off and the strong economy generated by this government seems to be playing its part in enabling business growth, something we are seeing all over the constituency and which we need to continue.”

Following the nursery visit Ms Pow accompanied Mr Hague to Wellington where people flocked to see him as he did a walkabout in the town.

“My visit coincided with the recent Times poll naming Wellington as the third happiest place to visit in the country,” said Mr Hague.

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone and can quite see why they like the town so much.

“I am fully supporting Rebecca in her endeavours to become your local MP. She is proving through all her hard work that she will be a strong voice for the constituency.

Mr Hague, who has recently stepped down from his political career, has served as Foreign Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons.