Former Prime Minister Tony Blair sported an unsightly black eye as he was reunited with Peter Mandelson to receive an award yesterday. The 56-year-old recieved a medal for his contribution to British relations with India.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair sported an unsightly black eye as he was reunited with Peter Mandelson to receive an award yesterday.

The 56-year-old receiving a medal for his contribution to British relations with India during his tenure, injured himself in a "gym-related accident", his spokesman said.

Mr Blair made no reference to his injury as he was presented with the Fenner Brockway medal by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson at Deutsche Bank's London headquarters.

Lord Mandelson, as he handed over the trophy, joked that the pair had always shared favours over the years.

He said Mr Blair was receiving the award for "being committed to India and to understanding the dramatic way in which India's place and role in the world has changed in the last 20 years".

Barry Gardiner, chairman of Labour Friends of India, said: "When Tony Blair became prime minister, he immediately saw that the relationship between the UK and India had become too comfortable and unproductive.

"He knew that, if we were to form a strong partnership, it should not be on the basis of old sentimentality, but upon a shared vision of modern and equal trading partners who recognised each other's strategic global role in working for justice and security."

Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA