FORMER Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has given his seal of approval to Liverpool’s pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai.

Mr Prescott, who is set to be made a Lord, described his experience of Liverpool’s offering as “great” following a visit.

He has previously led a UK delegation to Shanghai ahead of preparations for the Expo and has strong links with Merseyside, having attended school in Ellesmere Port and worked for Cunard Line before entering politics.

Liverpool’s £1.1m stand combines a video greeting from Sir Paul McCartney, football, maritime and a 3-D film of a Chinese dragon and a Liver Bird flying over the North West.

The showpiece is the film, which left Chinese crowds in awe.

After an exhilarating tour of the pavilion, Mr Prescott wrote in the guest book: “A great visit – well done to all the team.”

Chris Heyes, Liverpool Pavilion manager from Liverpool Vision, said: “Mr Prescott seemed to have a real fun during his visit and we are delighted he took the time to come and see how Liverpool is selling itself to the world.

“He had his photograph taken with Liverpool FC, enjoyed the 3-D film and some of the interactive business films, and he also spent a good deal of time looking at Peel’s Liverpool and Wirral Waters models, when he reminisced about his time in Liverpool with the Merchant Navy.”

Mr Prescott is just one of thousands of people who are visiting the Liverpool stand.

Now, after a month, it is averaging close to 3,000 visitors a day.