President Clinton and his family are due to see the New Year in at a three day retreat with a thousand others on an island off America's east coast. The President has attended the so-called rennaissance weekends every year since he's been elected. Our Washington correspondent Tom Carver reports.

Thanks to Bill Clinton's presence the renaissance New Year weekend has become something of an American institution.

Now in its 17th year it is an eclectic mix of policy seminars, therapy sessions, networking, golf and New Year celebrations.

Those fortunate enough to receive an invitation are strongly encouraged to bring their families and the children often participate in the discussions.

This year a thousand people in all will be taking over three hotels on the exclusive island resort of Hilton Head off South Carolina.

The guest list is drawn from all walks of life.

Although most tend to be friends of Bill's, as those inside the Clinton circle are known, there are a smattering of Republicans and right-wing commentators.

It is the brainchild of Phil Lauda, a local property developer, who in 1980 invited a number of southern politicians, including the then unknown governor of Arkansas, to a free-ranging weekend of debate and discussion.

The Clintons have been coming ever since and Mr Lauda is now the US ambassador to Britain.