United States president Barack Obama has been invited to north Lancashire - the ancestral home of America’s Washington family.

David Morris MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, has asked the high-profile world figure to stop off in Warton during his state visit to the UK in May to see an ‘histotical gem’ for American history.

The MP tabled a Parliamentary motion last week in which he stated that Barack Obama should take in the historic village - which has a population of about 2,000 - as part of his visit.

He said not only did the village have ties with the US but said that a visit from the president would be an important to boost the area’s tourist industry.

Mr Morris said: “The first U.S. President George Washington, was a descendant of the Washington family of Warton and some of his ancestors are buried in the village and the coat of arms of the village formed the basis of the Stars and Stripes flag of the United States of America.”

He said: “I would be delighted to welcome the President to Warton.

"It would be the perfect place to see some American history right here in the North of England.

"I believe the President will receive a warm welcome by everyone in Warton.”

The village is the birthplace of the medieval ancestors of George Washington - the first popularly elected President of the United States.

It is believed that Lawrence Washington - seven generations prior to George Washington - arrived in Warton in the 1300s after moving from the North East.

Click on the link below to see Colin Shelbourn's cartoon on this story.