The Prime Minister was soundly beaten at bowls today by a special Olympian who declared his efforts were ''rubbish''.

Tony Blair was challenged to a game of carpet bowls by Alan Trundley, 47, when he officially opened a renovated sports and community centre in Hartlepool.

It had looked to be a less taxing public appearance than last night's televised question and answer session with voters and Jeremy Paxman about the possibility of war with Iraq.

But Mr Blair struggled to keep his bowl on the mat and after his third attempt, when it shot past the white jack, exclaimed: ''This is definitely not my game.''

Mr Trundley, who represented the North East in the National Special Olympics in Cardiff, eased to victory and said afterwards he enjoyed the game.

Carer Rob Ryan, who works with people with learning difficulties, said members of the bowls group had thoroughly enjoyed Mr Blair's display.

Mr Ryan today told PA News: ''Mr Blair has a little bit to learn and I am sure Alan could teach him a thing or two.

''It is a game that takes years to learn and with a bit of practice he could come up to our level. ''It is harder than it looks.''

Afterwards Hartlepool's Labour MP Peter Mandelson commiserated with Mr Blair as he officially opened the £1.7 million renovation to the Belle Vue community sports and youth centre close to the town centre.

Mr Mandelson said it was a good job the Prime Minister was running the country so well, adding: ''Judging by the performance upstairs it will be some time before you become champion of carpet bowls.''

Mr Blair left to continue his series of visits in the North East today.