THE Stars and Stripes were hung out across the region last night in preparation for the historic visit of US President George Bush.

The most powerful man in the world is to visit Prime Minister Tony Blair's County Durham constituency later today.

And although some demonstrations are planned, Mr Bush can expect a much friendlier reception than he has faced in London in the past few days.

He will be the first US President to visit the region since former peanut farmer Jimmy Carter stopped off in Washington, Wearside, in June, 1977.

Last night, the bunting was being hung out, streets were being swept and bins emptied in the normally quiet village of Sedgefield, where Mr Blair will be treating his guest to lunch at the Dun Cow pub.

Flowers were being planted at The White House - not the President's official residence in Washington DC, but a sheltered accommodation block in nearby Aycliffe Village, just in case he passes by.

Mr Bush is believed to be touching down at Teesside International Airport at about 11.45am today, but details of the rest of his visit are being kept a closely guarded secret.

Business and political leaders last night hailed the significance of the visit.

Alan Clarke, chief executive of One NorthEast, said he believed the visit could only strengthen the region's already strong links with the US.

He added: "In tourism terms, George Bush's visit will also do much to raise the profile of our region in America."

Durham County Council leader Ken Manton said: "This visit puts both County Durham and the region on the European and World stage and this can only be good for the image of the North-East."

Coun Bob Fleming, leader of Sedgefield Borough Council, said it was a feather in the cap for the region, adding: "I'm very pleased we are going to have this visit and many people are looking forward to meeting him."

The Mayor of Sedgefield village, Coun Linda Maddison, said: "It's lovely that he's coming to see our beautiful village because it'll be something different to what he's used to."

But not everybody is pleased about the presidential visit, including some residents whose lives have been disrupted by the massive security operation.

Courtade Home Care, which looks after several pensioners in the villages of Sedgefield and Fishburn, says it has been denied access to its clients this morning.

Valerie Gatty, whose 82-year-old mother Ida Wills relies on her carers, said: "I'm not bothered about George Bush, I'm worried about my mother. She could collapse and nobody would know about it."

Catriona Curry, Courtade office manager, said: "It's absolutely ridiculous.

"We help these people get dressed and make their breakfast but we're not allowed to drive in."