PRIME Minister Tony Blair opened a new chapter in the history of a village school during a tour of the North-East yesterday.

Mr Blair visited Hurworth Primary School, near Darlington, to perform the official opening of its Millennium Library.

The library was established with money raised by the school, with support from The Friends of Hurworth Primary School, and match-funding from Darlington Borough Council.

Mr Blair told the children: "You are lucky to have such a wonderful school - the artwork is fantastic."

The visit to Hurworth was part of a day-long tour of the region by the Prime Minister.

Ian Black, chairman of governors at the school, said: "The provision of the library is a glowing example of the successful partnership which exists between the school, the local community and the local authority.

"We are honoured that the Prime Minister has found the time to perform the official opening."

Headteacher Trevor Drury introduced Mr Blair to John Gent, chairman of Hurworth Village Hall Committee, who presented the Hurworth Challenge Cup to the school.

The challenge cup was formerly known as The Gardening Cup and was presented annually to the owner or tenant of the best council house garden in the village. Darlington Borough Council engineer Jim Gordon showed Mr Blair plans for anti-speeding measures in the village.

The Prime Minister's visit ended with a question and answer session with the infant school children.

Holly Sizer, six, asked: "Do people do what you say?"

"Sometimes they do, but not always. The people who don't are my children," joked Mr Blair. He was also asked what it was like to be important, to which he replied: "When you meet the most powerful people in the world, you realise that they are really quite ordinary.

"All I ever wanted to be when I was little was a footballer or a TV star, but if you work hard enough, anything is possible