A LEADING member of Blackburn Groundwork has defended the Prime Minister's son in a Remembrance Day "casual clothes" row saying: "He was wearing our T-shirt."

The Prime Minister apologised after his children were criticised for wearing T-shirts in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday.

However, Groundwork's business development manager Adrian Blundell praised Nicholas, Euan and Kathryn Blair for not only being present to honour the dead but showing that they care for the environment.

All three children were given T-shirts when Groundwork chief executive Tony Hawkhead presented them to Tony Blair at the 10th anniversary of the Esso Groundwork Education Project earlier this year.

And Nicholas, 11, was clearly seen on a balcony at the Cenotaph wearing his T-shirt.

Mr Blundell said: "I can understand that people might be upset but I believe the children should be praised because they had the respect to be present to honour those who died. Groundwork is committed to improving the environment and it was pleasing to see one of the Prime Minister's sons wearing his T-shirt because it is nothing to be ashamed of."

In February Mr Blair presented the Groundwork Business Environment Association with a major commendation award for its work in improving the environmental performance of East Lancashire companies.

Mr Blundell added: "The relationship with the new government is growing from strength to strength and Environment Minister Angela Eagle has already expressed an interest in coming to Blackburn in the New Year to see for herself some of the Youth Work projects we are carrying out."

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