Charles Kennedy returns to the frontline of the Liberal Democrats' election campaign today following the arrival of his first child on Tuesday morning.

The party leader is unveiling his "real alternative" manifesto, in a launch postponed by the birth of baby Donald.

The manifesto is much shorter than in past elections, with its policy content running to slightly more than 10,000 words, compared with 21,500 four years ago.

Deputy leader Sir Menzies Campbell yesterday campaigned on providing free eye and dental checks.