Brown relaxed on paternity break

Chancellor Gordon Brown relaxes with his family Enlarge Image

The first picture of Chancellor Gordon Brown with his wife and two sons has been sent to friends and well-wishers.

The picture, seen by the BBC, shows Mr Brown and Sarah with one month old James Fraser and two-year-old John at their home in North Queensferry, Fife.

The chancellor looks relaxed having spent the past five weeks on paternity leave and holiday.

Mr Brown, 55, sent the photograph, taken by family friend Lesley Donald, to hundreds of supporters.

On the other side is a close-up picture of the baby with the message: "James Fraser Vaughan Brown. Born 17 July 2006 at 9am, 7lb 14oz. Sarah, Gordon, John and Fraser thank you for all your kindness and good wishes."

Mr Brown's eagerness to share the photograph with others is in sharp contrast to Prime Minister Tony Blair who has closely guarded any images of his youngest son Leo.