THE Minister for Sport, Richard Caborn MP, failed to turn up on Tuesday at an official function in Wincanton - because he was needed back in London for the important vote on tuition fees.

Mr Caborn had been pencilled in to join in with the official opening of the new performance enhancement centre at King Arthur's School in Wincanton which is Somerset's first specialist sports college.

But headteacher Ian Campbell explained to guests that Mr Caborn was unable to attend because the Labour Chief Whip refused him to travel to South Somerset on the day of the controversial vote regarding tuition fees at Westminster.

All was not lost, however, as Mr Caborn made a live speech via telephone with King Arthur's headteacher which was broadcast to guests at the opening of the new enhancement centre.