LAST year it was Charlie Clarke. The year before they got a vintage performance from John Prescott.

This time, it was the star turn. The guest of honour at the West Midlands drinks bash was none other than Tony Blair.

His appearance was brief, but delegates were impressed by a business-like performance.

He brought some big names with him, too. Mr Clarke appeared again, along with party chairman Ian McCartney and chief whip, Hilary Armstrong.

But, while not holding the pulling power of the Prime Minister, some delegates would still have preferred Mr Prescott.

His entry, two years ago, shadow boxing after his encounter with an egg-throwing protester, will live long in the memory.

And a book, which went on sale at the conference, shows why he remains a quality act.

The compilation of some of his tongue-twisting speeches, entitled Punch Lines, is a first-class read.

Classics include: "My position is that I want to make our position clear: the example of Germany is just one example, for example." And: "For the first time in 50 years, bus passenger numbers have risen to their highest level ever."

He also once said: "I met the Nigerian leader, er..,. the Nigerian leader, and he said that when he pulls the levers nothing happens, so we need a better form of governess. A governess is something we ought to be talking about."

The anecdotes in the book, by Simon Hoggart, are pretty good too.

Once, when making a short TV film at King's Cross station, a man reeled past waving a can of cider, at the same time complimenting "comrade" Prescott on his nice silk tie, to which Mr Prescott allegedly responded: "If you don't get out of this shot, I'll stick one on your chin."

Next year, they must bring back Prezza.