THEY are the party faithful, the rank and file, the campaign volunteers who put their own lives on hold in a bid to get their candidate elected.

When an election is called they give up free time, take to the streets, knock on doors and put in the long hours.

But who are they? What makes them go from being politically aware to getting involved in a campaign?

Today, with just three days left until polling day, we meet three volunteers who have been out on the ground in Swindon in the run up to the General Election.

In his day job, 23-year-old Jamie Taylor is a technical analyst, but in recent weeks he has been spending his spare time knocking on doors for Swindon’s Lib Dem candidates.

“I was already a party member,” he said. “But I’ve become more active since the referendum last year.

“I felt that the country and Swindon were going in the wrong direction.

“I’d spoken to friends who were voting Conservative or Labour and persuaded them to vote Lib Dem, but I’d never thought of going out and speaking to strangers.

“It was a new challenge, but it’s a good way to connect people. It’s daunting but at the same time very exciting.

“You never know who will be stood on the other side of the door - it can be a real surprise. You find people are usually quite receptive, even though knocking on their door to talk to them about politics is a little invasive.”

Tory volunteer Drusilla Summers has been loosely involved in campaigning for about five years but stepped up her efforts at the time of the 2015 election. She says she enjoys making a difference even in a “small, humble way.”

“Before, I felt like I was talking to friends and family about my views but it was a bit of an echo chamber,” she said. “I wanted to have a greater impact.

“I’d always felt a bit daunted doing canvassing, I think a lot of people do at the start.

“I travelled up to the north west in 2015 which was a Labour heartland at the time, it definitely got me used to it and built up my resilience.

“The more you do it the more comfortable you become and the more enjoyable it is.

“When they don’t like what I’m saying or don’t agree with me then I find it energising - it makes me more open minded and helps me look at issues from another perspective.

“There’s a great camaraderie too. Even if you don’t know the other volunteers you’ve got that connection that you’re all fighting for the same thing.”

On the other side of the political landscape is Sarah Morgan, a teacher from Wichelstowe, who has been volunteering in her first campaign on behalf of the Labour Party.

She said: “I followed the leadership election and the increase in Jeremy Corbyn’s popularity. It got me interested and I decided to join the local Labour Party.

“It’s hard to put into words what inspired me to be part of the campaign - it feels like there is a sense of hope.

“I’ve been door knocking and leafleting - generally everybody has been very polite. Most people have been receptive and generally positive.

“I’ve met a lot of people I wouldn’t otherwise have met, both on the doorstep and in the party. It’s a rewarding experience, I wouldn’t be out here during half term as a teacher if it wasn’t.”