In Brussels, the esteemed Sir Robert Atkins has stood up for Britain by speaking out on key issues like sheep tagging, Brazilian beef, dolphin protection and British mince.

Perhaps we should not be surprised that, when under fire over expenses, he is responding in a way that is true to form.

Instead of answering the questions the media was inevitably asking, he issued a press release ... about bendy fruit.

So we cannot accuse the MEP of doing nothing for his £61,820 salary, excluding up to £360,000 a year in allowances.

After all, as the European Parliament website shows, this is the man who made an impressive 17 speeches since November 2004 – that is a staggering average of just over four a year.

The last in October 2007 was on the crucial issue of the European Ombudsman.

But the London-born politician certainly seems popular with constituents in his adopted hometown of Garstang.

His website suggests this with unattributed comments from supporters hailing "Hurrah for Sir Robert!" and "He is a very smooth operator on the stump".

Most of the great and the good of Garstang are not drawn to comment to the Evening Post on the current saga, but are full of praise for the 62-year-old.

James Richardson, the first XV club captain of Garstang Rugby Club, of which Sir Robert is vice-president, says: "He is always down supporting the club and is easy to get on with. He's done a lot regarding sponsorship and putting money towards the club.

"He comes across as being trustworthy."

For the full feature see Friday's Lancashire Evening Post.

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