IT was the interview every journalist in the land wanted: a word with Prime Minister Tony Blair at the end of a week that commentators are describing as the toughest of his eight years in office.

And the journalist who scooped the story was nine-year-old schoolboy Oliver Raine, who was on hand with the questions when Mr Blair dropped into Heathfield Primary School, in Darlington, at the end of his visit to his Sedgefield constituency.

"He's the nicest journalist I have met all week," said Mr Blair after the inquisition.

Pictures of the Paxman-like encounter were taken by the school paper photographer, Elizabeth Davis, ten, of Neasham Road.

"I had to get in the right position, and he kept turning his back on me," said Elizabeth. "It was hard to get him shaking hands because it was so quick."

Mr Blair visited the school to open the £250,000 Foundation Stage Department, a combination of nursery and reception classes to ease children into the school environment.

"It is more play-orientated," said headteacher David Hayllar, "which is particularly important for boys who can lag behind at times."

Oliver, of Carnaby Road, Darlington, is already planning ahead.

"I want to be a journalist because I like asking questions," he said.

"I would like to work for The Northern Echo."

Last night, Oliver and Elizabeth and their parents visited The Northern Echo's offices in Priestgate, Darlington, to oversee the creation of this page containing their exclusive words and pictures.

Oliver said: "It has been a very hard-working day and now I am very, very tired. But I have enjoyed it, especially interviewing Mr Blair, because he is a very important man."

"I hope I will interview him again one day.