IT STARTED off bright and full of energy, but became grey and almost leaden yesterday, as the weather echoed Bournemouth's political event of the year.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown's speech pleased supporters but failed to quite ignite the BIC.

Education was Mr Brown's theme. He said "the reason I am here" was making sure his friends' children did not miss out on college or university, like some of his friends had.

Proposals included financing 16-year-olds from low-income backgrounds through five years of higher education, and extending maternity leave from six months to nine months.

He lacked the religious air of Tony Blair but faith still underpinned the speech.

"We all remember the Bible saying Suffer the little children to come unto me," he said. "No Bible I have ever read says: Bring just some of the children'."

Beforehand there was a lot of speculation an election would be announced.

Queuing party workers were adamant Mr Brown should establish a record as Prime Minister first. "It would just look like opportunism," said one woman, the wife of a Labour MP.

Mr Brown began by speaking about the foiled summer terror attacks - though there was no mention of Iraq or Afghanistan.

He said he wanted a Britain of "mutual obligation" and sounded tougher on social issues than previous Labour leaders.

There was nothing about dealing with poverty or alienation to prevent crime, only crime prevention through measures like closing off-licences which sell to children.

Labour workers were pleased with the weightiness of the speech afterwards, if not thrilled by it.

"I thought it was a lovely speech," said one lady from London. Barbara Langham from High Peak said: "It was better than I expected."

Graham Jones, from Hyndburn Labour grumbled it was "boring" until he was admonished by a female colleague who conceded Blair was "more of a performer".

Will Tynham, from Lanarkshire, said: "It was excellent , full of belief this country can work to better its place in the world. It was a programme for the 21st century."

The BIC looked the hub of the country for the day as well-groomed young professionals scurried about, watched by hardened Labour councillors who all appeared to be from Scotland.

But not everyone was bothered. The lead taxi driver outside The Moon in the Square in the town centre said: "I had it on but I put Talksport on ins-tead. More interesting, mate."