PRIME Minister Tony Blair jokingly warned his wife not to get broody during a trip to a Teesside hospital yesterday.

The couple arrived at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, to open the £7m main concourse and maternity unit.

During a tour, they met several new parents, including Norton, Teesside, family Billy and Debbie Readle, with their six month-old triplets.

As Mrs Blair cuddled one of the babies, the PM said: "Don't get broody, four is more than enough."

Mr Blair said the couple's baby, Leo, now has three teeth and was in "a bit of pain".

He said: "When Cherie gave birth to Leo, she had no pain relief, or whatever it's called.

"She was in labour, shrieking the place down, and she said she hoped the walls were soundproof."

His wife said that their son was growing well, and at his last weight check, was more than 22lb, to which a surprised Mr Blair replied: "Is he?"

The Labour leader was presented with a bronze figurine of a semi-naked mother cradling her child, which was bought from a shop in a Lake District village.

On receiving it, Mr Blair joked: "Just my luck to have a naked lady with a baby."