FOREIGN Secretary and Blackburn MP JACK Straw collected the first ever portrait completed of him -- and thanked the Blackburn College artist for making him look "thoughtful".

Mr Straw said he is likely the hang the portrait by 21-year-old art student Michael Youdes in his constituency office in Blackburn after consulting with his family.

The project was set up by Michael's tutor to help him practise on famous faces as he works towards a career in portrait painting.

Mr Straw spent two hour-long sittings with Michael at the constituency offices in Richmond Street. Michael prepared sketches of the Foreign Secretary and student Rachel Dejnowycz took photographs.

Mr Straw had the choice of two oil paintings by Michael to take but will not be able to hang it in his House of Commons office because of the rules of the House.

Mr Straw said: "I am very pleased with it. It is very, very good indeed.

"He makes me look very thoughtful rather than severe, and I was thinking deeply at the time."

He added: "It's a rare politician who does not like looking in the mirror."

Michael, of Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, said: "Mr Straw seemed very pleased with it. He chose the right one to take. That was the best one because of its composition and colour."

A public exhibition of the work of BA fine art students from Blackburn College starts on June 19 at the Victoria Building.