PRIME Minister Tony Blair kicked off the 2005 election campaign in South Dorset at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

He flew down to the complex to make his first campaign speech and to back South Dorset MP Jim Knight's fight for the constituency - the most marginal in the country.

Mr Blair travelled down by helicopter immediately after asking the Queen to dissolve Parliament and after announcing the election for May 5.

He said: "It is great to be here, and here with Jim Knight at the wonderful Sailing academy. If our Olympic bid is successful, this is where the Olympics will be held."

He added that he was pleased to see the coastguard helicopter and praised Mr Knight as a 'fantastic local member of Parliament'.

Mr Blair made the speech on the balcony at the sailing academy after being greeted outside by Mr Knight, sailing academy directors, dignitaries and Labour Party members.

Teenagers from the Weymouth's HMS Boscawen Sea Cadets and children of guests also greeted the Prime Minister on his arrival.

Sea cadet Daniel Allen, 15, said: "He was really friendly and it was great to meet him."

Anthony Marland, 15, added: "We didn't expect to meet him.

"It was a nice surprise."

Ellen Blackwood, 10, who was with sister Imogen, five, mum Maria and dad Andy, also Mr Blair during the visit.

She said: "I met him at the heliport.

"It was very exciting."

Mr Blair mingled with nearly 200 party activists in the Spinnakers Restaurant.

He was then taken on a tour of the outside of the complex with academy director of development John Tweed, chairman Bill Ludlow and Phil Gollup, who is managing director of academy operating company Sail-Force.

Mr Tweed said: "It went very well indeed.

"Mr Blair was interested to hear about the development of the academy and the part we will play in the 2012 Olympics."

He added: "We were delighted to have had him here and that we were chosen for such a high profile event."

Mr Blair arrived amid tight security as police manned the main gates and maintained a presence on the site.

His visit put South Dorset on the map as the seat promised to be a key battleground in the forthcoming election.