With a row raging in Parliament over how political parties are funded, a band of Westminster hopefuls have looked to residents to help pay for their bid.

Chiltern Green Party says it has already exceeded its campaign fundraising target through crowdfunding, allowing three candidates to stand in May’s general election.

Gill Walker, Jem Bailey and Dave Hampton will now compete for the seats of Chesham and Amersham, Wycombe, and Beaconsfield respectively after a social media campaign raised £1740 in six weeks.

Dave Hampton, who led the campaign and will contest Dominic Grieve's Beaconsfield seat, said: “We are all delighted. This is people power in action and a healthy sign of interest in grass roots democracy.

“Local people not only want to be able to vote green in the general election, they are prepared to chip in to make that dream a reality.”

More than 70 people backed the Chiltern Greens’ campaign, giving from £5 to £200, with an average of around £25 each.

The issue of party funding hit the headlines last week after Labour leader Ed Miliband rowed with David Cameron in the Commons over allegations of “dodgy donors”.

Last year, the Green Party refused a donation from a multi-millionaire businessman because the offer did not meet its "strict ethical criteria".