Cherie Blair was all smiles as she met prospective candidates for the forthcoming local elections in Sussex yesterday.

The Prime Minister's wife took a break from her busy schedule to bid a belated happy 91st birthday to the previous Labour Premier, Lord Callaghan, at his home near Ringmer.

She then met some of the party faithful at a get-together at Anne of Cleves' historic home in Lewes.

Above the fireplace in the 15th Century building a rolling pin bears the words "You must trust where you cannot trace."

This was proved pertinent for the assembled crowd, which was assured at regular intervals Mrs Blair would soon be arriving.

Firstly, she was ten minutes away, then 20, then 25. Eventually, at 6pm - an hour and a half later than expected - Mrs Blair and her small entourage arrived.

Dressed in a red trouser suit and striped red shirt, she said: "I'm so sorry I'm late but I spent longer with Lord Callaghan than I thought."

Mrs Blair remarked about her surroundings: "It's a lovely place. I'm sorry I did not bring my son because he is doing Tudor history for his A-levels."

She said she used to come to the area quite often, particularly to Brighton, when she was a junior barrister.

Among the first to greet Mrs Blair was Newhaven candidate John Spicer, who asked for an autograph.

As Mrs Blair posed for photographs with prospective Labour councillors on Lewes District Council, she learnt the council has no sitting Labour members.

Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and independent councillors rule the roost, while the Green Party, Labour and the Co-operative Party are putting forward candidates.

Mrs Blair was then whisked away for a weekend at Chequers.