The rising cost of living was the battleground for parties in the Glenrothes by-election campaign today.

Labour set out an action plan for Fife, while the SNP highlighted its cut in prescription charges ahead of full abolition.

The by-election will be held on November 6 with Labour defending a majority of more than 10,500.

Local head teacher Lindsay Roy of Labour today outlined a series of measures on anti-social behaviour, transport and helping families through the "tough times".

These include benefit "check-ups" to ensure older people get their full entitlement - including free insulation - and outlawing the "overcharging" people on pre-payment meters by energy firms.

He also wants to see a citizens' panel being set up to decide where new CCTV should go.

Mr Roy also called on his Nationalist opponent Peter Grant, the local council leader, to "get off his knees" and ensure the SNP plans for free school meals in primaries one to three are fully funded.

"He should go to his SNP bosses in Edinburgh and not come back until he has the money Fife needs to buy the schools meals for these kids," Mr Roy said.

Mr Grant was joined by public health minister Shona Robison at a local pharmacy in Cardenden this morning.

"The SNP government promised to reduce prescription charges as we move to abolish them altogether," he said.

"It is therefore good to meet local people who are benefiting from the delivery of this key commitment during a time of soaring of bills."

Mr Grant said the move had put money "back in people's pockets".

He added: "Labour ducked and dived on this issue, and it is fairer that people do not have to face the choice of paying for prescriptions or their heating bills.

"The reduced charges mean that everyone who pays for prescriptions will pay less."