One thing abundantly clear is just what powers most election campaigns ... Diet Coke.

The offices of Conservative candidate David Mowat and his Liberal Democrat counterpart Jo Crotty are both fully stocked with cans of the fizzy drink to keep the campaigners firing on all cyclinders.

And it is no surprise that so many of the election teams need the caffeine drinks to keep them going.

At the Lib Dem office campaigners and Jo Crotty were burning the midnight oil until 2am the night before we met them, sorting out letters in order of streets ready for the post.

She said: “This part of the campaign is very short.

“You start to feel all my eggs are in one basket. You feel you have to do everything at 100mph – it already feels like we have been doing this forever.

“There isn’t a lot of time to take stock. I’m immensely grateful for the number of people who have come forward for a Lib Dem victory. You always feel there’s not enough time to sit them down and thank them.”

Meanwhile at the Conservative office campaigning takes a high-tech turn with sophisticated databases listing residents in the constituency and what their voting preference is.

But that does not replace the old-fashioned canvassing of knocking on people’s doors – on the doorsteps in Lymm it appears most folk are taken aback to see one of their candidates at the front door.

Issues they raise include the ban on hunting with dogs and council tax.

“Canvassing on the doorstep is the most important part of the campaign,” said Mr Mowat.

“It is the only real chance we get to talk directly to people about the issues that really matter to them.

“I also like helping residents solve real problems when I can. Over the past three years I must have canvassed 1,000 houses, which is still only two per cent of the constituency.”

The direct approach is also taking centre stage for Labour candidate Nick Bent.

He said: “In the modern age politicians need to go out and meet people. You can’t expect the public to come to you. I have been doing a huge amount of work meeting people.”

When we meet Mr Bent he is out canvassing in Lymm, sharing lunch with potential voters at a church and later speaking to walkers who pass by the Labour stall set up at Lymm Market.

Most people seem happy to talk and ask questions about issues such as getting back into work and young people’s services.

One thing that has been most welcomed for all the campaigners is the sunny spring weather which is helping to bring out more supporters.

Nick Bent joked: “I’m getting a Warrington suntan with this weather.

“This is one of the things I love about the Labour Party, people muck in and help out. Everywhere I go in this constituency there are Labour Party members who get involved.”

Following Dr Crotty on the campaign trail takes us to a breakfast club in Old Hall where some residents are concerned about Europe, while others want to hear about Lib Dem policies on pensions.

“It can be really exciting, there’s a real buzz and you feel like everyone’s pulling for you,” she said.

“You get to meet different people and talk about lots of different things. But it comes with a lot of responsibility.

“It’s also a lot of hard work. You have a deadline and you’re up against it.”

And for Dr Crotty the worst part of campaigning is having to spend so much time in heels.

For Mr Mowat the hardest part of canvassing is being faced by people who are angry at politicians in general.

“We are not all the same and not voting helps extremist parties,” he added.

“Many residents recognise me from my literature and are then re-assured that I do actually exist!”