SECRET agent James Bond's latest mission has been saved - after he was given a licence to shoot by Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson!

Film Minister Mr Anderson enlisted Foreign Secretary Robin Cook to end months of stubborn resistance by the real MI6, the fictional spy's employer, who vetoed any filming outside their London headquarters.

And she got her own reward - lunch with the sex symbol star Pierce Brosnan on the film set.

The producers of the latest Bond film, The World is not Enough, wanted to film part of a spectacular boat chase outside the distinctive Vauxhall Bridge building.

However, the Secret Service refused permission, causing despair among the filmakers.

Then original producer Cubby Broccoli's daughter Barbara approached Mrs Anderson, who decided that MI6's reluctant attitude was at odds with the official government policy of encouraging filmmakers to come to Britain.

She picked up the ministerial hot-line to Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, who told his officials to contact MI6 and order them to give every assistance. The Foreign Office also offered the assistance and advice of embassy staff in Istanbul, where much of the film is being shot on location.

For the past month, Bond star Pierce Brosnan has been racing along the Thames in 60mph speedboats - one recent shoot was in front of the terrace of the House of Commons.

The shots are part of a five-minute opening sequence, currently being filmed at a cost of more than £3 million, which is said to be one of the most spectacular ever filmed in London.

Producers of the £70 million project get their revenge on MI6, however. In the film the building is blown to smithereens.

Mrs Anderson said: "I am absolutely delighted. It is part of our drive to promote the British film industry and removes obstacles to its success."

One insider said: "She proved to be a pretty effective M to Pierce Brosnan's Bond."

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