Labour has "sold students down the river", Simon Hughes has said.

Speaking on a boat trip down the river Thames with students, the Liberal Democrat president highlighted his party's plans to scrap university tuition fees.

"Labour will not be forgiven for breaking its 2001 manifesto promise not to introduce top-up fees," he said.

"It is simply wrong that many young people are starting out life with mortgage style debts because of the fees they have to pay to develop the skills Britain needs.

"Liberal Democrats believe that the taxpayer, not the student, should meet the cost of higher education."

The party believes that the student vote could prove vital in 27 constituencies.

Younger voters are less likely to turn out on May 5 than older age groups, but the Lib Dems will hope that their pledge to scrap tuition fees will prove an additional incentive.

Lib Dem London spokesman Sarah Teather said that "poll after poll shows the Liberal Democrats ahead amongst students".

"Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to a fair deal for students," she added.

"Only the Liberal Democrats can be trusted to deliver."