CULTURE Secretary Sajid Javid visited Worcester today - saying the Conservatives will fight all the way to remain in Government.

The big-hitter, tipped in some quarters to be the next party leader after David Cameron, said the "people of Worcester have a clear choice" and urged them to give Robin Walker another term in office.

Mr Javid, who toured Worcester Cathedral before looking at the fascinating archaeological dig at the roundabout right outside, also hailed the city's cultural offer, saying he often visits with his wife.

He also urged Worcester to make that City of Culture bid, saying it has a "more than compelling case" to win the crown for 2021, and insisted that talk of him being a party leader are "far-fetched".

Mr Walker is defending a 2,982 majority next month, putting the seat on a real knife-edge.

Mr Javid said: "I'd say look at Robin's track record, he's put in a lot of hard work and is campaigning hard to make sure we win and can carry on.

"He's been very active for Worcester's cause and from my perspective, he's a fighter, when he gets his teeth into something he doesn't let go.

"We are fighting to win an overall majority ."

He rubbished talk of taking a stab at the leadership, saying his only immediate focus is being re-elected in Bromsgrove.

"It is far-fetched (to suggest he could lead the party after David Cameron) - I want to make sure I get re-elected as an MP, and I'm prepared to serve in a Conservative Government any way they want me," he said.

Worcester Cathedral benefitted from £250,000 last year for repairs to its church windows from Mr Javid, out of an £8 million First World War Centenary Fund which the Government has since pledged to extend.

Mr Javid said Worcester's heritage and cultural offer was "fantastic", dangling the prospect of more investment if re-elected.

"You have fantastic heritage here in Worcester right on the doorstep, I know how good it is and I am also a visitor here with my wife," he said.

"Worcester is a great example to the rest of the country, there's been a lot of changes over the last five years and with the creation of the LEP (Local Enterprise partnership) working with the county council, we've seen real investment in Worcester's heritage and culture.

"I think it's a more than worthy contender for a City of Culture bid - there is tough competition, it is about excellence and Worcester is an example of that."

During his trip he was handed access to the dig at Cathedral island, and asked workers on the site how the finds being dug up are recorded, before getting details on the plaza's revamp.