Ferocious opposition was unleashed when Liberal Democrat Greg Stone attempted to win a vote.

The Vale of York candidate was taken to hospital after a voter's dog registered its views by sinking its teeth in Mr Stone's leg as he knocked on its owner's door.

But even the attack was turned to his political advantage when the candidate managed to persuade nurses to give him their support.

"I don't know how the man votes, but I don't think it will be for me," said Mr Stone.

"I didn't get very much sympathy from him, and I don't think the dog liked me much either."

"The nurses were amused when I turned up, complete with rosette and flesh wound, but we discussed the merits of rival parties' health police while they stitched the wound. They said they would vote for me."

The mongrel attacked Mr Stone while he canvassed in Burrill, near Bedale.

He said: "The occasional barking dog is an occupational hazard, but this is the first time I've been bitten."

Meanwhile, flour was thrown at Selby Labour candidate John Grogan less than 24 hours after a York University student smashed an egg on his head.

A constituent threw the flour across his office as the candidate attempted to speak with him about a long-running problem.

Mr Grogan said the latest attack, which happened yesterday afternoon, was completely unrelated to the egg attack carried out by a Conservative student as Mr Grogan toured the University of York's bars.

He said: "Some of the problems I deal with with constituents can get quite emotional, and this man got quite worked up.

"It all seems to be happening to me at the moment, but I just try to keep smiling and next week will be a normal week of campaigning."Mr Grogan's suit had just been cleaned after the egg throwing when the flour was hurled.

He said: "At least this time I didn't have to get my suit cleaned, but the flour was all over the office.

"This had absolutely no connection with the earlier incident though, and had nothing to do with any political party."

Updated: 08:47 Friday, May 25, 2001