AN initiative was launched this weekend to offer the electorate in Devon a Christian Democratic option in the coming general election.

Last year, candidates from the Christian People's Alliance stood in the region for the European Parliament.

A branch, run by former newspaper journalist Alex Price-Alexander from his home in the Blackdown Hills in East Devon, is now being formed for the region that will organise parliamentary candidates across the South West.

Mr Price-Alexander said: "I am one of the majority who want a fresh approach to national politics. Many ordinary Christians — and there are still millions in the UK — feel frustrated and disenfranchised by the big, lumbering political parties whose agendas are far too influenced by anti-faith and politically correct ideologies.

"The Christian People's Alliance is virtually unique among British political parties in that we unashamedly seek to base all of our policies — whether economic, social, or environmental — on the tried and tested wisdom of the Bible.

"I know many people who have been longing to cast their votes for a political party that they can trust to be faithful to the Christian principles which have underpinned what's best in our country for centuries — tolerance, inclusivity, compassion, and a respect for life."

He added that the alliance is keen to mobilise South West Christians who want to make a difference in their communities and urged them to get in touch through the party's website at www.cpaparty.org.uk.