Cherie Blair is wearing what looks like an acupuncture needle in her ear - leading to speculation that she is placing her faith again in New Age remedies.

The Prime Minister's wife was pictured wearing the unusual attachment at the Labour Party conference in Brighton.

It would not be the first time Mrs Blair has experimented with acupuncture, which is sometimes used to treat stress.

In March she agreed to have a tiny needle inserted into her ear when she opened a drug addiction centre in Derby.

This alternative therapy causes the body to release natural pain killers called endorphins and has been used by celebrity figures including the late Princess Diana to help them relax and combat stress.

Three years ago Mrs Blair paid £239 for a crystal pendant said to counter negativity and deflect electromagnetic radiation.