DAVID Cameron has condemned today's 'irresponsible' society in a top of the bill speech in Blackpool.

Speaking without a script, the Conservative leader set out to inspire his Tory troops ready for a possible autumn election and won good reviews for his smooth performance.

In a personal section on today's 'broken society', Mr Cameron spotlighted the tragic drowning of Wigan 10-year-old Jordon Lyon.

The case hit the headlines because two community support officers failed to enter the water after the youngster vanished.

"We're going in the wrong direction today, towards a less responsible society, as we saw with the community support officers who didn't jump in to save the life of a young boy," said Mr Cameron. "We need to change."

Earlier, he had told the M.E.N. that while community support officers played a useful role, they were not a substitute for police officers - and he criticised ludicrous red tape and crazy health and safety rules.

In his wind-up speech at the conference, Mr Cameron said the time had come for `national citizen service', where they would say to 16-year-olds that they had responsibilities in society to their local community.

Gym

"I launched this programme at Amir Khan's gym in Bolton," he said. "He's a fantastic man. He doesn't just want to be the best boxer in England or the world, he's built a gym to bring people off the streets, to give them something to believe in.

"And I agree with him that this sort of national citizen service for 16-year-olds can teach young people the self respect and the social responsibility that we really need to make our society stronger."

The conference opened under the shadow of gloomy opinion polls, but Mr Cameron's final speech proved popular with the delegates.

"Undoubtedly the biggest threat people face in this country is the crime on their streets," he said.

"Our prime minister has said that our society isn't broken, but when you think of 20 children shot dead on the streets of London, of gun crime doubled, a boy on a bike shooting Rhys Jones - I wonder what society the prime minister is living in?"

Mr Cameron was given a standing ovation after he had called on Gordon Brown to call a snap General Election, which would let the people decide who can make the changes the country needed.

"Call that election," he said. "We will fight. Britain will win."

What do you think? Have your say.

*YOU can read the full speech to the right.