PM visits Eden for the first time

10:07am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Prime Minister Gor-don Brown escaped his governmental worries on Friday to visit the Eden Project as part of a whistle stop tour of the South West.

The Prime Minister fulfilled a long-held ambition when he visited Eden for the first time, describing the project as a "world landmark."

Mr Brown saw how the home of the famous Biomes near St Austell in Cornwall operates as a social enterprise and wealth generator for the region.

The visit came as the Prime Minister has struggled in the polls and Labour's recent horrendous showing in the local elections. Another poll showed that only one in five people thought Gordon Brown was doing a good job.

Visitors to the biomes only knew someone important was coming when security men started appearing to check out the area.

But despite his troubles the Prime Minister appeared in a confident and relaxed mood as he greeted the bemused visitors with a casual "Hi".

The Prime Minister enjoyed a busy tour, visiting the Rainforest and Mediterr-anean Biomes and the Core Education Centre, where he met a group of staff and reception children from the nearby Tywardreath Primary School.

During his time at Eden he was questioned over affordable housing in the area and highlighted a report he had commissioned from Truro and St Austell MP Matthew Taylor looking to solutions for housing for first time buyers in rural areas.

His visit was hosted by Eden chief executive Tim Smit, who sits on the Council on Social Action chaired by Mr Brown, and Eden's managing director Gaynor Coley. He was accompanied by Ben Bradshaw, Minister for the South West.

Afterwards, Tim Smit said: "It was great to have the Prime Minister here and see him in such a relaxed mood, going out of his way to say hi' to visitors and staff. He was bowled over by the reception he received."

Gaynor Coley added: "Mr Brown was very engaged with the values of Eden.

He was quite excited by the prospect of getting a whole new generation of talent behind the environmental and social challenges we face."

Mr Brown's visit was the first stop on a three-stage tour of the South West. During his tour he also visited a community village in Plymouth and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.