FOREIGN Secretary Jack Straw sparked a battle of the superpowers by laying down a challenge at a Blackburn bowling alley.

The town's MP brought America's ambassador to town for a weekend and took him to the new £18million cinema and bowling alley at Audley.

And while inside Bowlplex, he couldn't resist the chance of taking on George Bush's man in London at one of the USA's best-loved sports.

He declined the invitation from staff to don special bowling shoes, and instead played in his socks ... claiming they would give him better grip.

But he only managed to hit five skittles, and perhaps unsurprisingly for a Labour minister, they were all on the right.

Ambassador Robert Tuttle who followed Mr Straw's lead on the footwear then stepped up and hit a strike with his first attempt.

At which point the game ended.

Mr Tuttle said: "It's 15 years since I bowled so I suppose it was just beginner's luck again.

"But it's a great venue to have here. It's the first time I have seen a bowling complex like this, one with a little dancefloor and restaurant in it too.

"It's an excellent way of getting people into a town."

Mr Tuttle was invited to spend a weekend in Blackburn by Mr Straw several months ago.

He also attended the opening of a £300,000 new play area in Robinson Street, Little Harwood.

And last night he joined a residents' meeting, having first sat through Mr Straw's regular advice surgery.

He said: "I am very impressed with Blackburn. Straight away, there were things I could see which could be adopted in America.

"Giving towns and cities their own individual look is very important at the moment, and Blackburn has that with things like the streets which have been cobbled.

"When President Bush asked me to become the ambassador, he said he wanted me to get out and about in the country.

"So I am delighted to come here and have been made to feel very welcome."

Mr Straw said: "I'm delighted Ambassador Tuttle accepted the invitation.

"He has been given a warm welcome here.

"Ten pin bowling isn't one of my strong points but it is a wonderful addition to Blackburn."