Hague's youthful headgear on sale

William Hague baseball caps will go on sale at Conservative Central Office later this week - just days after the Tory leader modelled the headgear.

The caps, priced at about pounds 7, bear Mr Hague's surname on the front and the party's latest slogan, "A fresh future", on the back. Conservative Party sources said demand was growing for the designer hats since the leader sported one on a visit to a Cornish theme park last week.

Mr Hague's fashion statement, interpreted as part of his bid to woo young voters, has been successful in inspiring at least one letter from a young Conservative requesting a cap. Although there are no plans for a matching T-shirt, the party is looking at "other ideas" for merchandising.