Gordon Brown's short lived holiday in Dorset

That was the plan for Prime Minister Gordon Brown when he brought his family on holiday to Weymouth back in the summer of 2007.

The first day of the break was perfect - the sun shone and the PM popped into Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Explaining why he chose Dorset for a family holiday, he said: "I have been holidaying in different parts of Britain for the last four years.

"This is the best place in the world to be, especially with young children.

"Look at the weather and the enthusiasm of people.

"I am looking forward to spending some time around here, getting a rest and meeting with friends."

After arriving in Weymouth by train, the leader was taken to the sailing academy where he discussed the progress of 2012 preparations with organising committee chairman Lord Coe and Royal Yachting Association members.

After a short meeting with organisers Mr Brown took a tour of the site, chatting to people and signing autographs for youngsters during the last day of the Volvo Musto National Championships.

However, the blissful break wasn't to be. Duty called and Mr Brown had to go back to London because of a new foot and mouth outbreak. He said he wanted to take charge personally of the foot and mouth situation and to try and do everything possible to ensure there was no repeat of the 2001 disaster.

Mr Brown's trip to Dorset was seen as an attempt to distance himself from predecessor Tony Blair who enjoyed exotic trips to Tuscany and Sir Cliff Richard's Caribbean villa.

Gordon Brown returns to Weymouth three years later

Fast forward to 2010 and Gordon Brown was back in town, this time campaigning ahead of the General Election.

He called into Weymouth Asda and visited a garden party, held in his honour by local Labour Party supporters, in Old Castle Road in Weymouth.

Gordon Brown at the Weymouth Garden Party

Joined by the then Dorset South MP Jim Knight, Mr Brown entered the party to the Labour Party theme music of Jackie Wilson’s 1967 classic Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher.

Sadly the uplifting music couldn't improve Mr Brown's chances in the General Election, with David Cameron going on to form a coalition government with Nick Clegg.

Visiting Asda with wife Sarah and then-MP Jim Knight

Accompanying Mr Brown on the visit was his wife Sarah, who praised Weymouth's beautiful weather.

She said: “I really like the campaign and getting out to meet people and hear their stories and concerns, especially when you have weather as good as this.”