Brown's pledge on education and NHS

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The Chancellor set out his vision by referring to his own experiences of education and the NHS, whose doctors saved his sight following a rugby injury.

He also declared that he wanted "a Britain of fairness and opportunity for all" and that he wanted to see the NHS become "the envy of the world". And he said it had been "a privilege" to serve under Tony Blair.

The Chancellor hit the campaign trail at the Sunlight Community Centre in Gillingham, Kent. The local authority, Medway Council, has been ruled by the Conservatives since 2003.

He made his speech, flanked by local Labour party supporters, after being entertained by belly dancers and young footballers.

Mr Brown said: "My vision for the future of this country is that we have an even stronger economy, an even stronger society with a higher quality of life."

He also said in his opening remarks: "It has been a privilege to serve under Tony Blair's leadership as prime minister of this country."

Referring to his childhood in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, he said: "I benefited from the best education that allowed me to go to university. When I got injured playing rugby and nearly lost the sight in my eyes I benefited from the NHS. What I want for my children I want for every child, to get the best education and the best healthcare."

Mr Brown also pledged that the number of government-backed Sure Start centres, which help families in deprived areas, would grow to 3,500 by 2010.

He reiterated his comments, broadcast earlier, about the need to improve the NHS. Mr Brown said: "We are proud that as the Labour Party we created the NHS but we can make the NHS better in years to come. I want an NHS that's there for people when they need it."