A STUDENT from Hazlemere played baseball with former presidential hopeful John Kerry after winning an internship to work in Capitol Hill.

Chris Ford, 21, of Western Dene, met some of the most powerful politicians in United States after applying from St Andrews University in Scotland, where he is currently studying, to be an intern.

After having his application accepted, Mr Ford travelled to Washington to shadow Senator Ted Kennedy, the brother of former President John F Kennedy.

Mr Ford said: "I was really lucky because Ted Kennedy is probably the most high profile member of the Senate.

"He is without doubt one of the most active members."

During his eight-week internship, Mr Ford met influential statesmen such as Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff, and Senators Hilary Clinton and John Kerry.

Mr Ford said one of his highlights was a baseball game between his office and a team that included Senator Kerry.

Mr Ford said: "To be playing with a former presidential candidate was unbelievable and something I will never forget."

The trip was organised by the English Speaking Union (ESU), which runs an annual exchange programme with Washington.

Only ten students a year get the opportunity to walk the corridors of Capitol Hill through the programme.

Euan Blair, the son of Prime Minister Tony Blair, is one of the select few who is also travelling to Washington DC this summer.

Mr Ford stayed in accommodation provided by the George Washington University, just yards from the White House.

He said: "The city literally lives and breathes politics. It guarantees that any gaps in your knowledge are soon bridged."

Having seen American politics first-hand, Mr Ford admits it has inspired him to consider politics as a future career.

He said: "I'm hoping to spend a year working for an MP and then I would like to apply to the Kennedy School of Politics at Harvard."