Blair to get US Medal of Freedom

Mr Bush and Mr Blair were firm allies

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will be awarded the highest civilian award in the US - the Presidential Medal of Freedom - next week.

In his last week in office, President Bush will award the medal to Mr Blair, former Australian PM John Howard and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe.

All three leaders had been "staunch allies" of the US, particularly against terrorism, said the White House.

The ceremony will take place at the White House on 13 January.