A SPECIAL guest called at a North-East library last night to read a story to children.

Tony Blair visited Trimdon Library, in his County Durham constituency, to help promote and celebrate World Book Day.

The event also marked the first anniversary of the purpose-built facility, which opened alongside a new Co-op store in the village a year ago.

Children from the village's two primary schools were told to expect a mystery guest, but had no idea it was to be the Prime Minister.

Members of the Trimdon Library reading group performed the Pied Piper of Hamelin to parents and guests, before Mr Blair made his entrance.

Children sat on the floor around Mr Blair, while he read them a book called Giraffes Can't Dance, by Giles Andrede and Guy Parker-Rees.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister presented each of the children who took part in the performance with a Pied Piper mug.

Ten-year-old Charlotte Carter then returned the favour, presenting Mr Blair with his own mug.

"That's two mugs together," he joked, as he was handed his memento of the visit.

Patrick Conway, director of culture and leisure at Durham County Council, said: "What better image than to have the Prime Minister reading to children in his own constituency on World Book Day."