HUNDREDS of children gave a standing ovation to Labour leader Tony Blair when he literally dropped in on Friday.
They watched Mr Blair's luxury helicopter - red, of course - descend onto the school playground during his surprise visit to Heaton Park County Primary School in Prestwich.
Mr Blair was accompanied by his Bury-born wife Cherie, making her first visit home since she left the town when only a few weeks old.
The couple made the whistle-stop tour, after leaving the party conference in Blackpool, to attend a special assembly at the school.
Mr Blair presented 15 children with merit awards for careful work, good behaviour and good manners.
The Labour leader told the young achievers: "You have been given a great chance and a great start in life. And you are a great example of our country's future."
And they presented Mr Blair with his own merit award as he signed the visitors' book.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article