THE Women's Institute (WI) has offered an olive branch to Tony Blair by inviting him to a fundraising musical in his constituency.

The Prime Minister was left a little bruised after he was slow-handclapped and heckled by WI members when his speech to last year's annual conference was perceived to be too party political.

Now, the Durham federation of the WI wants to nurture a harmonious relationship with Mr Blair by inviting him to A Picnic In The Park, in Hurworth, near Darlington, next month.

The event, on Saturday, July 7, is being organised jointly by the Durham federation and Hurworth Community Association, and is co-sponsored by The Northern Echo.

A large crowd is expected for the musical extravaganza, starring The Angels of the North - international soprano Suzzanah Clarke and acclaimed harpist Kate Wilson.

An invitation to Mr Blair and his wife, Cherie, was sent last night.

Dorothy Proud, chairman of the Durham federation, said: "Mr Blair had an uncomfortable experience at the conference, but that is in the past, and we just felt it would be nice to invite him to what will be a wonderful event in his own constituency."

John Lawrie, chairman of the community association's management committee, said: "This is Tony Blair's constituency, and we are proud that the Prime Minister is the local MP - regardless of what party he belongs to.

"This is going to be a tremendous occasion, and it is a nice gesture to invite him. What happened at the WI conference is history, and it is time to let bygones be bygones."

A spokesman for Mr Blair said he could not make any commitments at this stage, but added: "We look forward to receiving the invitation from the WI, and I am sure the Prime Minister will try to get along to the event if he can."

The event starts at 8pm and tickets, priced at £10, are available from the community association, on (01325) 720840, the Durham federation, on 0191-384 2041, or Williams music shop, Darlington, on (01325) 466224.