THE Blairs were always pictured sunning themselves in exclusive Barbados or Tuscany rather than swapping Westminster for a holiday closer to home.To his credit, prime minister Gordon Brown last year set a better example for supporting British tourism with his visit to genteel Southwold - but now he is being invited to rip off his tie and roll up his (suit) trouser legs and embrace the traditional family fun of a holiday in Yarmouth.

THE Blairs were always pictured sunning themselves in exclusive Barbados or Tuscany rather than swapping Westminster for a holiday closer to home.

To his credit, prime minister Gordon Brown last year set a better example for supporting British tourism with his visit to genteel Southwold - but now he is being invited to rip off his tie and roll up his (suit) trouser legs and embrace the traditional family fun of a holiday in Yarmouth.

The resort's MP, Tony Wright, has come up with a unique way of backing local tourism by designing his own Greater Yarmouth postcard and delivering it to every MP at Westminster, including the prime minister and all his cabinet.

Mr Wright yesterday launched the postcard - depicting the area's contrasting moods from the hustle and bustle of the seafront and Pleasure Beach to the tranquillity of the Broads - at the seafront Sea Life Centre.

Delivered at the start of British Tourism Week the postcard reads: “Dear colleagues, in these difficult times it is vitally important that we do all we can to support the British economy. Tourism is a vital part of the economy, bringing in much needed revenue to many parts of the country, especially in seaside resorts.

“This year is an ideal opportunity for MPs to support the British tourism industry by having a holiday in the UK.

“For my part, Yarmouth has a lot to offer, from the Norfolk Broads on our doorstep to the golden sands of the many resorts in the Yarmouth area.

“In any case, please do what you can to support our great British tourist industry.”

Mr Wright said his idea had been partly prompted by Mr Brown's visit to Suffolk last year and the fact that he knew a number of MPs were already regular visitors to Yarmouth.

He said: “We have got everything you could possibly want, from the lively seafront and vibrant nightlife to miles of sandy beaches, heritage and beautiful Norfolk Broads.

“One of the biggest industries we have got is tourism and it is important to give it a boost in these times of recession.”

Jane Smith, duty manager at Yarmouth Sea Life Centre, said his postcard campaign highlighted the fact that many people did not properly value what they had on their doorstep.