PRIME Minister Tony Blair took his mind off the Iraq crisis when he played host to Kidderminster special needs co-ordinator Liz Packwood on Monday.

The Franche First School employee was one of 200 from across the country invited to 10 Downing Street for an evening reception after the school was recognised for "excellence in inclusion".

She was one of only seven invited to meet Mr Blair and his wife Cherie before the main gathering.

After joining the school as a parent helper the mother-of-three became a teacher before taking over as special needs co-ordinator in 1997.

Head Val Weddell Hall said: "Liz is forward-thinking and committed to excellence in inclusion.

"She has quickly embraced our whole ethos of a 'can-do culture' and she ensures special needs children have every opportunity. This award is very much deserved."

Mrs Packwood said she was "flabbergasted and extremely honoured" to meet the Prime Minister.

Mr Blair said the event was a way of recognising the important work being done in special needs education.