Gordon Brown has exclusively told us he believes many of Liverpool's youngsters have the potential to win X-Factor.

The Prime Minister was talking at an event organized by Radio City and City Talk where he met groups of young people on Merseyside.

Mr Brown was impressed with the talent coming through in our city and said the reality TV show could be used in more ways than one: "I like the X-Factor and believe we should be thinking about the X Factor in other things we do.

"Everybody has got a talent here. Perhaps you haven't discovered exactly what you want to do yet. But everyone should have the chance to develop and find out what they're best at.

"Not only should every community and school be seeking to find talent in singing and in sport but in engineering and art and other different skills. We should be thinking of ourselves as a nation that's trying to discover and coach and then develop talent in every area."

Mr Brown met with around 50 youngsters at the event and was asked about a number issues including student debt and the war in Iraq. He was also quizzed about levels of unemployment and how difficult it is to find a job.

Gordon Brown highlighted a campaign to encourage businesses to use the skills and experience of young people in the region. More details about Backing Young Britain are available here.

Gallery: See pictures from Gordon Brown's Q&A session

The Labour leader also told our hosts Steve Hothersall and Neil Fitzmaurice, at the Contemporary Urban Centre, he would be willing to debate with the BNP leader.

Mr Brown said he would send a member of the Cabinet to take on Nick Griffin, the BNP leader, on the BBC’s Question Time programme.

Previously some cabinet members like Alan Johnson, the home secretary, have refused to debate with Mr Griffin.

But Mr Brown told us: "I am happy to debate them anytime because they need to be exposed.

"We have a duty to make sure people know what they're voting for when they vote for BNP and to know that behind the slogans they have is a very dangerous form of discrimination based on race."