President George Bush swept into Prime Minister Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency aboard his US Marine One helicopter.
His aircraft and three others landed on a soggy football pitch at the back of Mr Blair's constituency home Myrobella in the tiny village of Trimdon Colliery.
Mr Bush, accompanied by his wife Laura, was met by Mr Blair and his wife Cherie and the couples stopped to chat to neighbours as they made their way into the house.
Two Sikorsky helicopters from the US Navy's Black Stallions Squadron heralded the arrival of the President and his entourage, their powerful downdraft sending leaves and sprays of mud swirling across the soccer pitch, which was ringed by hundreds of British police. Mr Bush followed soon afterwards in his Marine One helicopter, met by a US Marine Colour Sergeant.
Curious neighbours looked on through the windows of their houses, some of which were decked with Stars and Stripes and Union Flags. The village had been virtually sealed off to the outside world all morning in advance of the President's visit, with police officers lining the streets every few yards.
Mr Blair went forward to greet the President with Mrs Blair, who was walking with the aid of a stick after she sprained an ankle recently. Wearing a white knee-length coat over a dark trouser suit, she carried a bouquet of flowers to present to Mrs Bush. Mr Blair was sporting a blue suit with a light blue open-neck shirt. The President, wearing a sports jacket and flannels, shook hands with Mr Blair as his wife Laura, wearing a light brown two-piece suit, was greeted by Mrs Blair.
The two families were expected to spend about 45 minutes chatting together inside the house and in the garden, beside the myrobella plum trees which give the house its name.
21/11/2003 16:15 | 
