For the past month, residents in a North-East village have been bemused by the appearance of secret agents apparently reconnoitring for a VIP visit.

But, as Andrew White discovered, no one is saying for certain if the President is really planning to drop in on his best pal Tony Blair.

FAMILIES living in Sedgefield and its surrounding environs haven't been this excited since Tony Blair became Prime Minister.

Since then, they have become accustomed to high-profile visits by world leaders and VIPs.

Most famously there was French president Jacques Chirac, who enjoyed a pint with his then-pal Mr Blair at the County pub, in Aycliffe village. French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin was also spotted enjoying some good old fashioned North-East hospitality.

But the visit of President George W Bush would top the lot.

After all, he is the most powerful man in the world - leader of the only superpower.

Tongues have been wagging for weeks now, fuelled by sightings of strange groups of men, dressed in immaculate suits, who have arrived in town. They stalk the streets of Trimdon taking copious notes and photographs.

Having made a risk assessment, the men in black vanish as quickly as they arrived, no doubt on a plane heading for FBI headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

Officials have refused to confirm or deny if Mr Bush will be stopping with the Prime Minister at Myrobella, his home in Trimdon Village, during a trip to the UK later this month.

Resident Trish Slater said: "If the rumours are true, what a great honour it would be for the people of the North-East to have a visit from the President.

"Mr Blair's relationship with Mr Bush touches the lives of everyone in both America and the UK and if he does come to the village he will be made most welcome."

Mr Bush will not be the first US President to visit the North-East. Former peanut baron Jimmy Carter beat him to it by 26 years when he stopped by in June 1977. More recently First Lady Hilary Clinton did some mugging up on family history by visiting Washington, Wearside.

Locals have been speculating about what President Bush might do in Sedgefield.

A known dog-lover, Mr Bush may wish to join in the hunt for Dwain, the stray collie that has been roaming around Sedgefield Racecourse for the past few weeks.

Amy Starkey, commercial executive at the course, which has a race meeting today, said: "I don't know if the President is a gambling man, but he may be keen to get the £500 reward put up by Bet Fred for anyone who captures Dwain alive."

A keen tennis fan, Mr Bush may be tempted to try the plush facilities at Sedgefield Community College for a set or two against Mr Blair.

Club chairman Ian Taylor said: "If Mr Bush wants to play, he'd be most welcome to use our facilities."

However, Mr Bush may not find he is welcomed with open arms by everybody, as feelings against the war in Iraq are still running high.

Sedgefield village was the focus of several anti-war demonstrations by peace protestors earlier this year.

One pub landlord, who wished to remain nameless, said: "He would not be welcome here."