BOLTON MPs are ready to mount a battle if Labour calls an autumn election.

Labour leaders are reported to have ordered all MPs to be ready for a snap poll, which could be called as early as this October.

And each of Bolton's three members of Parliament say they are ready for a fight to hang on to their seats if the public are called to the ballot box before Christmas.

Bolton North East MP David Crausby declared: "I'd be ready tomorrow."

Although it was widely expected that the Prime Minister would not call an election until Spring 2005, senior Labour sources say a newly optimistic mood could pave the way for an early vote and MPs have reportedly been ordered to update campaign leaflets.

But Mr Crausby said he would be surprised if the General Election was ordered before next Spring.

"I think it's highly unlikely," he said. "I think a government ought to do four years and that doesn't come up until June 2005."

Meanwhile, Dr Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South East, speculated that the election could come on the back of the referendum for devolved regional assemblies.

He said: "I've not seen any evidence or heard any rumours that the election could come that soon but if it is October then we will be ready for it by then."

Phillip Allott, the Tory candidate lining up a challenge to take Ruth Kelly's marginal Bolton West seat, said: "We have media campaign under way and we are already looking to engage people on their doorstep. The budget was a real give away."