A LEWISHAM councillor has been in the USA to campaign for the historic presidential election of Barack Obama.

Blackheath Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Maines went to Florida in the run-up to the American presidential election to help campaign for Barack Obama’s bid for The White House.

Cllr Maines joined other European volunteers to knock on people’s doors and canvass support for the Democrat senator.

Mr Obama was elected America’s first black president on Tuesday and Cllr Chris Maines is hopeful his time in office will bring about positive change for the world.

He said: "The atmosphere has been electric, there has been a real feeling of history in the making.

“It has been such an honour to share the night with black Americans, who a generation ago were not allowed to vote let alone be presidential candidates.

“Barack Obama's victory demonstrates we live in a world where people from any background can succeed.

“I am sure I will not agree with everything he says and does, but the world feels its going to be a better and safer place with Obama as president.”