Prime Minister Tony Blair paid a surprise visit to Croydon on Thursday in a late bid to keep a Labour stranglehold on the borough.

Croydon is widely seen as the most marginal Labour constituency in the capital - and the Government is desperate to hang on to it.

Mr Blair started his visit by launching 10 Downing Street's official website in Croydon central library. He said: "I'm very impressed with the facilities here. I'm told they are the best public on-line facilities in London."

Then he was taken by council leader Valerie Shawcross to the Clocktower café where he took the trouble to speak to every table and answer questions.

Councillor Shawcross said afterwards: "Mr Blair was absolutely brilliant. He found time for everyone. Many people quizzed him on Northern Ireland and congratulated him on the settlement."

Afterwards, the Prime Minister went on a walkabout in North End, where he was mobbed by shoppers.

Councillor Shawcross added: "I said to him that he was more like a superstar than a Prime Minister. Hanging on to Croydon is very important to Labour. If we can do well here, it is a symbol of how well we are doing across the country."

Labour swept to power for the first time ever in Croydon four years ago. At the time, it was seen as a protest vote against an unpopular Conservative Government.

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