Number 10 help with Euan homework

Cherie tried to help Euan with school assignment

Euan Blair, the prime minister's son, found an unusual source being drafted in for a school assignment after his mother Cherie contacted an official at Number 10 for help.

In a move likely to be envied by pupils across the land, the official then decided to contact the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to see whether they could help.

I think it's a bit of a classic Chinese whispers

Downing Street

Euan's task - according to the Evening Standard newspaper - was to take part in a debate about the nuclear deterrent, arguing in its favour.

Asked about reports Mrs Blair had contacted the MoD directly herself, Tony Blair's official spokesman said on Monday: "I think it's a bit of a classic Chinese whispers.

"She hasn't phoned up the MoD about anything.

"She asked a Number 10 official if he had any material on the stocks which was generally available and this official then contacted the MoD on his own initiative."

The name of the official - and whether he was able to help Euan - has not been revealed by Downing Street.

The 17-year-old son of the prime minister, who attends the London Oratory, first attracted significant media attention when he was arrested for being drunk and incapable in July 2000.

The teenager was found by police officers in Leicester Square, in London's West End, after celebrating the end of his GCSE exams.