TONY BLAIR'S vision for education came under the spotlight during his visit.

He toured Teesside University's new Olympia Building sports facility, in Middlesbrough, where students protested over plans to introduce top-up tuition fees.

His entourage swept past a large banner that had been unfurled from the adjoining student union building proclaiming "Top-Up Tony - Blair Faced Liar".

During his visit, he met 18-year-old disabled athlete Sarah Loughran, from Ingleby Barwick, and Anthony Borsumato, 30, from Acklam, who hopes to compete in the 400m hurdles in this year's Olympic Games, in Athens.

Both were using a chamber that helps athletes acclimatise to heat and cold.

Mr Blair said: "Teesside is a university that is getting an increasing reputation as a university that is going places."

Later, he unveiled the £22m King's Academy, at Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough.

The school is partly funded by the Reg Vardy-backed Emmanuel Schools Foundation, of which Mr Blair is a supporter.

He was shown a project focusing on the merits of renewable energy by students Amy Goundry, 14, and David Hansell, 14, and joked that technology was his worst subject.

He then addressed the school in the sports hall and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening.

He was greeted with cheers and whistles, and praised the "magnificent building and wonderful facilities".

He said: "The great thing to realise is, whatever your background, if you have the right education and you are determined to make the most of it, there is nothing on this earth that you cannot do."

Student Andrew Bambrough, 15, presented Newcastle fan Mr Blair with a Middlesbrough Football Club shirt for his son Leo, four, which had his name on the back.