Mr Blair and Mr Bush chatted today to a local family as they arrived at the Dun Cow pub, Sedgefield.

Inside, between 80 and 100 of Mr Blair's constituents waited their turn to meet the two leaders, who also chatted to bar staff in the crowded lounge.

The two men refused to respond to reporters' questions and it was not known yet what they will have for lunch, but on the blackboard menu was fish, chips and mushy peas and chunky steak pie.

Mr Bush chatted enthusiastically to the crowd and was asked to sign autographs and a copy of a book recently published by Mr Blair's agent, John Burton, the story of his relationship with Mr Blair called The Grit in the Oyster.

The two leaders also chatted to the pub's manager, Geoff Rayner, who likes to boast of the range of real ales and whiskies stocked behind his bar - although the teetotal president will not be sampling them.

The pub menu also specialises in game from local estates, as well as fresh fish from Whitby.

The leaders were served from behind the bar by Jenny Waddleton.