PRIME Minster Tony Blair put Weymouth and Portland on the map with his first stop on the campaign trial.

He fired the starting gun for the general election as he rallied the Labour Party faithful at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

He also visited to bolster the campaign of South Dorset MP Jim Knight, who holds the smallest majority in the country with 153 votes.

Mr Knight and Mr Blair made speeches on the academy balcony overlooking Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay before mingling with party activists.

Mr Knight, who met Mr Blair outside the centre, said: "I want to welcome Tony Blair to Portland and this fantastic facility. From here we can look forward to the Olympics in 2012.

"We can also see where we have come from and where we go from here."

Mr Blair was whisked off to Weymouth and Portland on a 45-minute helicopter ride after asking the Queen to dissolve Parliament and announcing a May 5 election.

He met youngsters, Sea Cadets, dignitaries and thrilled party activists on his arrival before greeting the party faithful upstairs in the academy restaurant to the sound of the U2 song Beautiful Day.

His visit to the academy - part of the £7.8 million South West Regional Development Agency project at Osprey Quay - came after the opening of the nearby Coastguard Hanger last week.

Mr Blair said: "Jim Knight is a fantastic local member of Parliament and I am looking forward to seeing him again after the election. He has done so much for the local area."

Mr Blair said Mr Knight had done a lot to be proud of and pointed out investment in the area, such as at Osprey Quay.

He also said he was aware of concerns over the relief road and affordable housing.

Sea cadets joined their commanding officer Geoff Dyer to welcome Tony Blair. Mr Dyer said: "The lads didn't know what to expect when they came along.

"They thought they would just be showing people around but then they go to meet him by the helicopter."

The sea cadets included Daniel Allen, 15, Richard Simms, 15, Liam Fisher, 15, Kai Banger, 12, Oliver Jones, 15, and Anthony Marland, 15. Sea cadet Richard Simms added: "We were very chuffed to meet him."

Mr Blair flew back to London by helicopter after the hour-long visit. Conservatives waved placards from outside the academy as the helicopter flew overhead.

Josie Roberts, six, and sister Connie, four, also met Mr Blair at the helicopter.

Richard Phelps, 50, of Wyke, who was with his wife Carol, said: "He was very open and friendly.

"I also got his autograph. I think I was the only one to ask for it."

Sandie West, a Portland town councillor and Asda greeter, added: "It was the first time I've met Tony Blair. It was an excellent visit."