PRIME Minister John Major has pledged to visit a Longridge school after his plans were wrecked by the IRA's terror tactics.

Mr Major failed to make it to the Longridge County Primary School after a day of disruptions and delays but his wife, Norma, proved to be a popular replacement with the pupils and teachers.

John Major still managed to tour Bolton Wanderers' new stadium in Horwich, despite the series of bomb threats which caused chaos across the North West.

Police threw a security cordon around the school while residents and parents gathered outside to catch a glimpse of Mrs Major.

She spent an hour at the school, meeting youngsters and answering their questions.

She also met party workers and Ribble Valley Tory candidate Nigel Evans.

And aides told how the Conservative leader has pledged to return to the Ribble Valley school. Norma Major was put in the spotlight by the children at a question and answer session.

And she managed to keep her cool under pressure, even when one youngster asked her how much gold she owns.

She said: "Obviously everybody is very upset and disappointed about what has happened today, but I do not want to comment on the IRA. I will leave that to the professionals."

When asked about her duties as the Prime Minister's wife she said: "It is something I enjoy very much. We get to travel a lot and visits lots of nice places like this school."

Speaking about her home life, Mrs Major said: "We are very busy so I don't get the chance to do a lot of cooking - but that is something I don't miss much."

Lord Cranborne, the leader of the House of Lords and one of Mr Major's closest aides, said: "Mr Major has promised he will visit the school.

"He is very disappointed he couldn't come today. But, win or lose the election, he is determined to come to Longridge."

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