www.independent.co.uk

09-07-00

The invaders are welcome. Inside San Gimignano's most famous gelateria is a framed photo and letter from Tony Blair thanking the owner, Sergio Dondoli, for the ice-cream which "the family enjoyed very much".

"Of course we like the British, famous or not", says Sergio, as he wonders whether the Prime Minister will come again this year and whether baby Blair will be old enough to try his first gelato. "Maybe it is a little soon but perhaps I could create a gelato especially for Leo anyway", he says.