COMING face to face with the most powerful man in the world is not something that happens to a lot of people.

But one Paddington policeman not only got to see President George Bush, but also got the chance to talk to him and get his photo taken with him.

Sergeant Ian Barlow, from Bruche Avenue, met the US president at the recent G8 summit where he had been working as a motorcycle out rider.

Sgt Barlow's big moment came on the last day of the summit, when he and another officer were asked by a secret service agent to move closer to the president's helicopter.

The Greater Manchester officer said: "We were about 50ft away from his helicopter and I could see him saying goodbye to some of the dignitaries.

"He turned to get in the helicopter and looked right at me, so I gave him the thumbs up and a big smile.

"He put his thumbs up and smiled back.

"He then said to someone next to him 'I am going to speak to him'. He then came over and said 'thanks very much' for everything we had done.

"I couldn't believe it, the most powerful man in the world and he took time out to come and speak to little me from Warrington."