The Tory candidate who admitted faking photographs in his election leaflets is in a new row after two Olympic gold medallists complained he was using pictures of them without permission.

Ed Matts has distributed campaign literature showing himself with his arms around Sarah Ayton and Sarah Webb.

The local pair won gold at the Athens Olympics.

Ayton has objected to being associated with Matts’ candidature.

"I did not know about the use of my picture," she said.

"I was not told about it or asked for permission and did not know it was going to be used for the campaign."

She is backing Jim Knight, the Labour MP who is defending a 153 majority.

"I think he has done a lot of good for us and I wouldn’t want him to think I was against him," Ayton said.