CHERIE BLAIR yesterday made her first visit to the region since controversy over her involvement with a convicted fraudster erupted.

The Prime Minister's wife, who broke down in tears last week as she defended her role in allowing Peter Foster to buy two flats for her, was all smiles as she made official visits to two North-East venues.

Mrs Blair's first stop was in Darlington to open a childcare centre which encourages parents to return to learning.

The centre, at Darlington College of Technology, was established in September last year, and more than 70 children attend every day.

The youngest children cared for are only a few weeks old, but there is also an after-school and holiday club for teenagers.

The 21 childcare workers look after the children of college staff, as well as students, who could not study without the extra help.

Congratulating the staff, Mrs Blair said: "I feel very strongly about this because it is very important for mothers and fathers to go to work knowing that their children are being well looked after and are happy."

Joanna Conway, centre manager, said: "The centre has been really successful, particularly with students, because they know they can leave their children with us while they are learning.

"We are delighted Cherie Blair came to officially open the centre, and saw the many things we are able to offer here and the difference that good child-care provision makes to parents who are working and learning."

Mrs Blair then went on to launch an on-line legal service at Murton library, in County Durham, for the Durham On-Line Initiative.

The service aims to use high technology to help people access services such as welfare rights and consumer advice, and is aimed at people suffering from social exclusion.

Mrs Blair said: "This is a real first and I'm delighted to be associated with it."