A British politician jets in to Bermuda tomorrow as the first ever official International Ambassador for Southend United Football Club.

James Duddridge, elected four months ago as Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, is a keen fan of both the English League One club and their star striker Shaun Goater and is hoping to continue to foster relations between the Island and the Essex town during his two-week long stay.

Mr. Duddridge's title of 'International Ambassador' is somewhat of a publicity stunt by the club as the politician is in reality simply holidaying here and visiting his brother-in-law, KPMG accountant John Thompson ? known as JT to his Renegades rugby club team-mates.

It will be the 33-year-old MP's first visit to the Island and he is genuinely keen to foster good relations between the club, whose fans have fallen in love with Bermuda's premier footballer, and Mr. Goater's homeland.

"I'm excited at the prospect of what this tie-up could bring to the area," said Mr. Duddridge said during a photoshoot at Roots Hall, home of the club nicknamed the Shrimpers.

"I've read all about the people of Bermuda taking a keen interest in the goings-on at the Blues and I'll be taking this Southend shirt with me to present to the people out there.

"Hopefully this could be the first of many such link ups with overseas football fans.

"Mr. Duddridge has only been a regular at Roots Hall since taking up his elected position following the last General Election, but has watched nearly every home game from "either the Director's Box or from the stands", although struggles to make it to the away ties.

"I'm a massive football fan and since I moved to the Southend area I'm a regular at the games," he added, while admitting he is still yet to be formally introduced to Mr. Goater, despite often screaming his name and trademark 'Feed the Goat' chant from the stands.

"Last season's achievement of winning promotion was magnificent and this year looks to be going well too.

"Wherever possible I want to publicise the football club and the excellent work they do."The politician hopes to return to Essex with at least one Bermuda national jersey which will be auctioned off to raise money for the Southend United Community and Educational Trust.