Shaun LowthorpeGreen Party candidates in Norwich insisted a vote for the party could make a difference in Westminster and was not a wasted vote - particularly if there is a hung parliament.Shaun Lowthorpe

Green Party candidates in Norwich insisted a vote for the party could make a difference in Westminster and was not a wasted vote - particularly if there is a hung parliament.

Adrian Ramsay, the Green's candidate in Norwich South, was joined on Monday by Jenny Jones, who is one of two members of the London Assembly, as activists went campaigning in the Larkman area of the city.

Norwich South is the party's second highest target seat in the country and Mr Ramsay said the experience on the city council, where the Greens are the main opposition party, and on the London assembly and Scottish parliament, had shown what the party could do, if elected.

'In the London Assembly, two elected Greens have had a significant impact. In the Scottish parliament, two elected Greens are making a real difference,' he said.

'If the first Green MPs are elected at this general election we can make a real difference at Westminster, especially if there's a hung parliament.'

The Greens believe they can break through their traditional 'golden triangle' strongholds in the city, and have been impressed by the results of canvassing in areas such as Lakenham.

Ms Jones said a Green MP would bring 'pester power' to politics, particularly in a hung parliament where its votes could be brought to bear on a range of policy issues.

'You cannot underestimate that politics of embarrassment and constantly raising issues,' she said.

'Electing a Green MP would be incredible and give the party a high level of visibility nationally. The MP for Norwich South would be constantly in the news.'