CHERIE Blair delighted teenagers from County Durham schools when, accompanied by baby Leo, she made an unheralded visit to the Durham Prince's Trust xl Network Clubs celebration day at Durham County Cricket Club.

Mrs Blair, who was in the region during the Prime Minister's visit to Durham, presented certificates and special awards to children whose schools are among the best examples of xl clubs in action.

The schools are: Tanfield, Stanley; Shotton Hall, Peterlee; Framwellgate School, Durham; St John's, Bishop Auckland; Moorside, Consett, and Greenfield School, Bishop Auckland.

The xl clubs network (a play on words meaning to excel) is aimed at under-achieving 14 to 16-year-olds to help them to re-discover their motivation and potential, to learn new skills, and to plan their futures.

The Prince's Trust took over a programme called Compact Plus in 1998 and renamed it xl. They developed a comprehensive programme of adviser training, an adviser manual, and an internet website to share good practice and information on research and funding.

After the presentations, Mrs Blair, who was listed as 'a surprise guest,' was reunited with a sleeping baby Leo who had been looked after in an ante-room during the ceremony. Much to everyone's delight, Mrs Blair introduced him to the children.