A 20-YEAR tradition visiting London resulted in a surprise meeting with the Prime Minister for children of St Mary's CE Primary School in Prestwich.

Each year the pupils and teachers enjoy a three-day trip to the capital and although one of their sightseeing stops is Downing Street, they have never seen the occupants of Number 10 before.

But last week the 28-strong group of pupils and staff from the school in Rectory Lane were delighted to bump into Tony Blair.

Deputy headteacher Miss Eileen Goldsmith said: "We arrived at Downing Street 30 minutes ahead of schedule and saw the Prime Minister arrive back to Number 10 from Parliament.

"He came over to speak to the children and invited them to have their photograph taken with him. He shook their hands and chatted with them. The children were delighted and they have talked of nothing else ever since."

Year 6 pupil Sam Sheppard (11) asked Mr Blair which football team he supported, to which he replied: "Don't tell anyone, it's Newcastle."

The pupils are now going to write and thank Mr Blair.