Tony Blair praised front line public service staff this morning.

At a breakfast service event in Downing Street he said they were "making a real difference to people’s lives".

The prime minister will meet workers from around the country today at a conference focusing on changes in the service delivery as the latter meets public expectations as well as other challenges.

Senior politicians, leaders from public services, academics and representatives of front line public service will all attend the event.

Mr Blair said: "I’ve been impressed this morning by the dedication and innovation of the public service workers I have met.

"They have all been successful in transforming their services and making a real difference to people’s lives because they are putting the individual citizen at the heart of their service", he added.

The themes to be discussed have all emerged from a recent policy review.

In particular, the prime minister will unveil major new ideas on crime and justice.