A FORMER Dorset Echo reporter has been helping Barack Obama in his quest for the White House.

Matt Pitman, 26, of Weymouth, joined Obama's campaign in the US and got to meet the man himself.

Mr Pitman works as a political assistant for South Dorset MP Jim Knight.

His US visit came during the build-up to Oregon's Democratic presidential primary on May 20, which Obama won over Hillary Clinton.

Mr Pitman said: "In London I got to know a few people with links to the campaign and received a call earlier this year asking me if I would like to spend some time on the Obama campaign.

"I was involved in many of the strategy meetings and also co-ordinated the volunteers who popped into the office to help on a daily basis.

"These ranged from a 90-year-old grandma to an eight-year-old who went door-to-door with other supporters each day.

"On my first day in Oregon, I was able to briefly meet Senator Obama at a campaign rally.

"I also met the senator's wife, Michelle, who thanked me for flying over to help the campaign. She was very nice and said she was looking forward to visiting Britain as First Lady."

Mr Pitman said he had been interested in American politics for a long time.

He said: "It was a fantastic experience and the way the local community got behind Senator Obama was inspiring.

"The Obama campaign has really engaged and inspired people and our political parties and politicians can learn a great deal from the campaign and the way the candidate conducts himself. Those working on the campaign were great people and many of them had never been inspired to get involved in public service before.

"I am hopeful of returning to the States later this year."

After the victory in Oregon, Barack Obama said he was 'within reach' of winning the nomination.

But Hillary Clinton has vowed to fight on.

The US Democratic nomination is expected to be revealed next week, after which the presidential campaign will get under way.