US President Barack Obama paid a visit to the American School in St John's Wood last night. Hundreds of people waving flags lined the streets to greet the American leader, who had arrived on British soil little more than an hour earlier. It was his first

US President Barack Obama paid a visit to the American School in St John's Wood last night.

Hundreds of people waving flags lined the streets to greet the American leader, who had arrived on British soil little more than an hour earlier.

It was his first appointment of his first UK trip since his election last November.

He is staying at the residence of the American ambassador who lives in Regent's Park.

A parent whose child attends the American School, but who preferred not to be named, described the excitement of Obama's visit to St John's Wood.

"The event wasn't a dinner it was a meet and greet event for the American Embassy employees and I have a friend who works for the White House so I managed to get a ticket.

"When the doors opened at 6.30pm people were already started to queue around the block.

"Security was high - the Met was there and there were people with binoculars on roofs surrounding the building.

"Obama arrived just before 9pm and when he and Michelle came in they addressed everyone saying hello, thanks for being here and thanks for all your hard work.

"Then they walked through the gym shaking everyone's hands. There were about 1,300 people there.

"They only stayed for about 45 minutes. They whisked in and whisked out.

"But it was all very exciting and I felt quite giddy to see them because I was only about 30ft away.