DOWNING Street today hit back at a Worcestershire MP's claims that Cherie Blair flew into a rage at a reception for England's rugby heroes.

Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride alleges the Prime Minister's wife blamed her for the Blair children missing out on the star-studded bash.

Ms Kirkbride, the Tory Shadow Sport Minister, had complained when she did not receive an invitation to the event.

Downing Street backed down, only for a fresh row to erupt after Ms Kirkbride said she had been asked to enter by the "back door".

Ms Kirkbride claims Cherie Blair took her revenge when they met at the reception on Monday night.

"I was talking to Will Greenwood, when Cherie came up, said the Bromsgrove MP.

Private

"She didn't recognise me but, as soon as I introduced myself, she started having a massive go at me for speaking out about not being invited," she said.

The barrister allegedly told Ms Kirkbride the fuss had left the Blairs' feeling they were unable to invite their children.

"I was taken aback by the way she had a go at me. It was really over the top," she added.

But Downing Street rejected her version of events - and hit out at the decision to go public.

"At the reception for the England rugby team, as with many receptions in Downing Street, conversations are normally considered to be private," a spokesman said.

"However, Mrs Blair's recollection of what happened is very different from Ms Kirkbride's."