Prime Minister Gordon Brown says he is looking forward to getting his message "direct to the country" in tonight's historic TV debates.

Mr Brown, Conservative leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg will take part in the first ever Prime Ministerial debate on ITV tonight.

Speaking exclusively to The Bolton News during a visit to the Meadowbank Children's Sure Start Centre in Atherton this morning, Mr Brown said: "I am looking forward to having the chance to take my message to the country.

"It is a chance that I have wanted for some time."

The Election Debate will be broadcast live on ITV1 from 8.30 pm tonight.