Ahead of President Bush's visit to Sedgefield tomorrow local MEP Martin Callanan has urged the people of the North East to welcome their high profile visitor with open arms. Despite protests in London and the ring of high security Martin Callanan strongly believes that the presence of the President is a good thing for the region and deserves everyone's support.

Speaking today Martin commented:

'It is not often that the North East gets the opportunity to play host to the most powerful political leader in the world and I hope he is made to feel very welcome. The visit will be hugely beneficial for the area as news channels from across the globe will be broadcasting pictures of President Bush on his tour. This widespread coverage will help to put County Durham on the map in terms of business and tourism. The North East has an enormous amount to be proud of and should take this chance to promote itself as an inward investment opportunity with attractive countryside and friendly people, not full of hostile demonstrators.'

Martin continued:

'Obviously people are a little concerned about the security risks but I believe that a significant part of the threat, and indeed the need for so many police, comes from the antics of the anti-war protesters rather than terrorists. I hope that the protests do not mar President Bush's visit to our region as I think most people in the North East want to show their support for what our troops are trying to achieve out in Iraq.'