Gym talk between new best friends

THEY chatted casually about children's dinosaurs, the uncommonly fine London weather and even their respective "gym rat" routines.

So it was no surprise that when the Browns showed the Obamas around Downing Street, what was only last month downgraded to a mere "partnership" was once again a "special relationship".

The couples got on famously as the Prime Minister and his wife gave a tour of the Georgian townhouse with some of the best views in London.

From the Pillared Room, Mr Brown pointed out the vista over Horse Guards Parade, with St James's Park and Buckingham Palace in the background. The Browns' sons John, five, and Fraser, two, were the perfect catalyst, as talk shifted from weighty matters of state to the children's favourite dinosaurs.

There was a hint of nerves when the Obamas first arrived on the steps of No10 for the photocall that is bound to be used on both sides of the Atlantic as proof of their man's world statesmanship.

Like novices at a Scottish country dancing night, the two couples initially got confused over their positions before the girl-boy-boy-girl order sorted itself in front of the famous front door. Crucially, however, it was President Obama who placed his hand on Mr Brown to usher him into Downing Street before following after.

Only four weeks ago, as Mr Brown visited Washington, doubts were raised about the rapport between the two leaders. The President had referred then to a "special partnership" rather than relationship. The Obamas also came under fire for their welcoming present of a box set of DVDs of American movies.

But today the two men chatted about the perils of keeping fit, with Mr Brown bemoaning the literal treadmill of the gym as well as the grind of being premier.

During their press conference in the Foreign Office, the two men continued to underline their New Best Friend status. Things were going so well that the PM looked unperturbed when the President referred to his love of England (rather than Scotland). The US leader then dodged a question on whether to back the English football team against Ukraine tonight. At the end, President Obama flashed that trademark 500-watt smile and Mr Brown looked the happiest he has for months.