THERE was standing room only when Lord Ashdown visited Salisbury for a public question and answer session on Friday.

The former Liberal Democrat leader and Royal Marine commando took the opportunity to launch a campaign for better pay for the armed forces.

He told the audience at Bishop Wordsworth’s School: “It’s sad that so many troops have to struggle on such low wages.

“Earlier this year the Liberal Democrats led a decisive victory in Parliament that gave retired Gurkhas the right to stay in Britain. It’s now time we urgently spoke up for our serving troops.”

Lord Ashdown said many serving soldiers were paid significantly less than the average wage, and over a quarter of the armed forces earned less than new police officers or firefighters.

The LibDems have pledged to raise the average hourly rate for a private from £6.74 to £9.44, equivalent to £3,000 a year.

It would be funded by scrapping “misguided” procurement projects such as the Euro Fighter.

Salisbury’s prospective LibDem MP Nick Radford said: “The event was immensely successful. Paddy was inspirational.

“That we had a man of his stature and military credentials here in Salisbury to launch our Troops’ Pay campaign demonstrates how important we consider this issue locally.

“Our soldiers deserve a better deal. Many put their lives on the line, but struggle to make ends meet. That’s just not right.”