David Cameron plays badminton with Shropshire ace

Prime Minster David Cameron attempted to put his troubles behind him when he took on a rising sports star from Shropshire for a game of badminton.

Mr Cameron shrugged off the "pasty tax" storm and the threatened tanker strike which has sparked panic at the petrol pumps.

Instead he took on Jessica Pugh, from Telford, in a game of badminton doubles.

Jessica even had an Olympic gold medallist for a partner – Lord Coe.

Jessica, 15, was part of a group of young elite sportspeople who visited Downing Street with UK School Games Ambassadors.

She teamed up with London 2012 supremo Lord Coe to challenge Mr Cameron and fellow England junior international Nicola Gresty from Gloucester.

Jessica's mother Gill said: "She had a fantastic time. She came back buzzing. It was one of the best days of her life, she said.

"It has really inspired her. She came back wanting to be a professional badminton player, to quit school and go full time – but I don't think that's a very good idea!

"She met quite a few people, like Denise Lewis and Darren Campbell, and she spent quite a lot of time talking to Lord Coe.

"They got to have a tour round Downing Street as well, and she was really impressed with it."

The event marked the final inspection visit of the International Olympic Committee before the games in July.

Charlton School pupil Jessica, the English under-15 singles and doubles champion, was also helping promote this year's UK School Games, being held in May.

Her high profile day out turned in to a double celebration as she returned home to Shawbirch to find she had been selected for the English under-17 six nations squad.

The PM and Lord Coe exchanged some fierce shots, but Mr Cameron spoiled the effect when he paused to ask: "How does the scoring work?" They played for about 10 minutes before the match was declared an honourable draw.