Like many people I was saddened to hear this morning that John Prescott had died after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 86.

I only met the guy once but it did result in quite a memorable photo. He was the deputy prime minister back in October 1997 when he visited the north east of England and there was a photo call aboard a vessel on the River Tyne which set off from my hometown of South Shields.

All was going well until, during a TV interview, the boat made a sudden about turn and the wind blew the red British Merchant Navy Ensign into his direction. Of course he made a brave attempt to fend it off but you could guarantee the headline writers would have a field day the next day making reference to Labour’s traditional association with the red flag.

On the whole it was nice to meet a politician who did not take himself too seriously and was probably one of the last great characters and mavericks which we do not see that much of these days as they tend to be more concerned about PR and so-called brand protection. May he rest in peace.