Suzi Dear reflected on a night of great success after getting to meet Gordon Brown when she represented Hartlepool among a select group of entrepreneurs from all over the country.

Glass designer Suzi, who owns Big Studio Glass Design, in Seaton Carew, was invited to the capital by Hartlepool MP Iain Wright.

She was delighted to meet Gordon Brown and even took the opportunity to tout for a bit of business from the Prime Minister.

She said: "We had a great time. Gordon Brown was nothing like I expected. He had such a sharp sense of humour and a great personality.

"He thanked everyone for working so hard to start their businesses and provide jobs for others."

Big Studio Glass Design was set up seven years ago and now employs 10 people. It recently finished a commission to provide a specially-designed glass artwork for the Wimbledon tennis championships.

Gordon Brown said: "I was delighted to host Iain Wright and Suzi Dear at Downing Street.

"While the economy is going through tough times, the Government will do all we possibly can to make sure that businesses like Suzi's continue to thrive and bring jobs to Hartlepool."

Suzi added: "We had a wonderful tour of Number 10. It's like the Tardis, I couldn't believe how big it was inside. The garden is like a beautiful English garden with lots of lovely roses, nothing pretentious.

"I spoke to Gordon and had a chat with his wife, Sarah. I am sure I wouldn't be happy with all of these people looking around my house but they didn't seem to mind a bit.

"It was like touching history – chairs that former prime ministers and kings and queens had sat in and tables where big decisions have been made at.

"As I was looking around I spotted a few opportunities where our glass designing services could come in handy. I took the chance to have a word with Gordon's right-hand man.

"You never know we might even get some work out of it."