A FORMER Worcester city councillor became the first British Minister to set foot in Libya in almost 20 years when he arrived in Tripoli last night.

Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien began his three-day mission by meeting with officials this morning.

Mr O'Brien's hopes to enlist Colonel Gaddafi in the war on terrorism and provide intelligence on al Qaida. Mr O'Brien's agenda is expected to include Iraq, Libya's support for Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe and compensation for Lockerbie victims - although Mr O'Brien insists that is a matter between the families' lawyers and the Libyan regime.

His mission marks a thaw in relations between Britain and Libya since Col Gaddafi handed over the officials tried for the Lockerbie bombing.

Before leaving, Mr O'Brien said the trip had been the result of four years of "critical engagement".