Tony Blair has thanked Sussex Police officers for keeping Labour delegates safe from harm.

In a visit to the conference security HQ in central Brighton yesterday, the Prime Minister said: "It's a huge operation and it's difficult because security has gone up over the years but delegates really appreciate it and it makes a big difference."

In a recorded message to all officers who have contributed to Operation Otter this week, he said: "The feedback from delegates has been fantastic. Obviously security has been very tough.

"It has meant a lot of police officers and community support officers have given their time to police Brighton this week. We are absolutely delighted with them, it could not have gone better from the point of view of policing and security."

Mr Blair then presented outgoing city police chief Paul Curtis with a signed bottle of whisky to mark the commander's last day in the top job.

September 30 2005