FORMER deputy prime minister Lord Prescott swapped his two Jags for two wheels today.

He was given a lift on a powerful motorbike and escorted by the Geordie chapter of the Harley Owners Group to a revamped Harley-Davidson showroom in Silverlink, North Tyneside.

It is owned by David Hall and Paul O'Callaghan, who both originate from the Hull area, where Lord Prescott was a Labour MP.

Lord Prescott said: ''It is absolutely fantastic here and I am really pleased to see two lads from my area bringing new jobs and a great, world-class brand to the North East.

''I applaud their entrepreneurial spirit. We are very proud of their achievements.

''I particularly enjoyed being a passenger on two wheels for a change.''

Mr Hall said: ''The team here at Newcastle Harley-Davidson, and customers who were visiting the showroom at the time, couldn't believe that a former deputy prime minister simply dropped by for a coffee and a chat. It was very good of him to do so.''