the dailymash

As latest figures show a record fall in house prices and a further dip in high street sales, the prime minister insisted his new toothbrush was probably the best thing he had bought this year.

Mr Brown also dismissed rising fears over the global credit squeeze, adding: "It's not electric. I don't believe in that sort of thing.

"But it does have these little knobbly bits on the top for cleaning your tongue.

"I don't think it matters, particularly, what brand of toothpaste you use. What's important is to get the right brush. And with this one, all the fundamentals are there.

"Strong bristles, an attractive colour scheme and a sturdy but comfortable handle, again with some knobbly bits for extra grip."

He added: "And it cleans my whole mouth, not just my teeth and I think that's something we can all be proud of."

The prime minister is expected to show off his new toothbrush when he meets bank chief executives later today.

A Downing Street source said: "He wants them to feel reassured, so he's going to give them a look at it. It is really nice, so we've all got high hopes.

"Did you know that it cleans his whole mouth, not just his teeth? Isn't that marvellous?"