Meeting the world: Busy day at No 10

Gordon Brown and wife Sarah had a busy day as they greeted G20 leaders in London. Here, with pictures, is a diary of their Wednesday meetings:

Months of planning have gone into organising the G20 summit. Here, a Downing Street worker lays the red carpet ahead of the arrival of US President Barack Obama.

The eyes of much of the world are on Gordon and Sarah Brown as they prepare to welcome the US presidential cavalcade.

The Browns and the Obamas pose for the obligatory photographs before the two leaders get pre-G20 discussions under way and their wives go on a tour of London.

On a visit to the Maggie's centre at Charing Cross Hospital, central London, Mrs Brown and Mrs Obama discuss the use of make-up by cancer sufferers. They later sit down for a cup of tea.

Mr Brown and Mr Obama give a press conference at the Foreign Office, during which Mr Obama says the world must show a "sense of urgency" in dealing with the financial crisis and stresses the importance of the "special relationship" between the UK and US.

In a break from meeting dignitaries, Mr Brown has to face prime minister's questions, as usual, in the House of Commons. He and Conservative leader David Cameron argue over the effectiveness of the government's economic policies.

After the rough and tumble of parliamentary debate, the prime minister meets his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh.

Mr Brown welcomes Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to 10 Downing Street. Mr Medvedev is also holding talks with Mr Obama while in London.

Chinese President Hu Jintao is the next international dignitary to visit the UK prime minister.

Hu Jintao and his delegation take part in talks with Mr Brown and British officials across the Cabinet table.

Gordon Brown shows Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso around Downing Street, including the famous staircase with pictures of past prime ministers.

Gordon Brown checks on preparations for the leaders' dinner at No 10 with Jamie Oliver, whose team of eight chefs is cooking the meal. The menu includes Scottish salmon, Welsh lamb and Bakewell tart.

Following a reception for world leaders hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, it is all smiles for the camera.

The Browns welcome their guests back to Downing Street - this time for two highly exclusive dinner parties. As G20 leaders begin their official business over a working dinner, Sarah Brown will host her own separate meal for their spouses next door at No 11.

With the formalities over, the leaders prepare to get down to business. Some hard talking is ahead with Angela Merkel (left) getting the plum seat next to President Obama.

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