Prescott tours West Africa

British soldiers in Sierra Leone will meet John Prescott

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has left for a tour of West Africa which will include a visit to the British military contingent in Sierra Leone.

Mr Prescott will inspect Britain's front-line troops and the military team helping train the war-torn country's army.

John Prescott left for trip on Sunday

As he flew out on Sunday the deputy prime minister said: "We are tremendously proud of the key role British troops have played in restoring stability to Sierra Leone.

"We are now taking forward our long-term commitment to Sierra Leone, taking the lead in training Sierra Leone's own army so that they are better able to ensure their own security and stability."

He was accompanied by representatives of UK companies including AMEC, International Power, and Rolls-Royce.

New role

His visit comes barely a week after UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook was in the capital, Freetown, and correspondents say he will reiterate Britain's pledge for long-term support for Sierra Leone.

Mr Prescott goes first to Nigeria for talks with President Olusegun Obasanjo and business leaders.

According to reports Mr Prescott has been made Prime Minister for the Third World by Tony Blair and will be sent to the places the prime minister does not have the time to visit.

The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions has confirmed that the visit is taking place at the request of the prime minister.