The Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News has launched the Support Your Local campaign to encourage people to keep buying from local firms during the testing economic conditions.

Mr Clegg, who was visiting Wiltshire College Lackham on Thursday November 6, said he was ‘very pleased’ to hear about the campaign and it was something he would encourage and support.

He said: “I think this is a great campaign and something that is really supportive to people in these times when everyone is worried about jobs, and local business are worried about if they are going to be able to survive.”

During his visit, Mr Clegg chatted to agricultural students about their role in the function of Wiltshire College’s working farm.

Mr Clegg, who said he was always bowled over by the beauty of the Wiltshire countryside, feels the county’s strong farming links could help it through a recession.

He said: “Wiltshire is beautiful. I’m from South Yorkshire, but I love coming here. There is obviously a great tradition of agriculture and farming in Wiltshire and I think people like knowing where their food has come from and like to buy local products.

“I think this is very significant and as long as the prices are right, this will aid local companies and keep things going, even through a recession.”

Among those Mr Clegg met on his visit where 18-year-old agricultural student Chris Hayward, who had the challenging task of holding onto a heifer while talking to the Mr Clegg.

Chris, from Bromham, told Mr Clegg he had loved farming and all things rural from the age of eight.

After meeting Chris, Mr Clegg and Mr Hames talk a short walk to a nearby field, where the he got behind the wheel of a tractor.

Farm manager Philip Steans said: “The pupils always look forward to visits like this where they can talk about what goes on here.

“They were really looking forward to Mr Clegg coming, especially Chris.”