MY money's on the First Ballot!

And should anyone be mistaken, David Chaytor's declaration does not signal any political leadership campaign.

Instead, First Ballot is the name of a horse the Bury North MP is backing, with a worthwhile cause benefiting if he strikes lucky.

If the horse is first past the post following the Ladbrokes Hurdle at Ascot this weekend, the MP will win £400 for the NSPCC charity.

Mr Chaytor has £50 riding on the horse, courtesy of the staff at the Ladbrokes betting shop at Princess Parade, Bury.

Ladbrokes nationwide is raising money for the NSPCC's Full Stop campaign.

Bury branch deputy manager Dorothy Ramsey explained: "When Mr Chaytor visited us, we picked out a horse for him and we thought First Ballot was a suitable choice.

"We've paid the £50 bet on his behalf. The horse's odds are 7-1 and, if it wins, then he'll get back £400 which will go towards the charity."

The Bury North MP will be hoping his horse proves to be a real safe bet when it races this Saturday (Dec 22).

During his visit to the bookmakers, Mr Chaytor chatted with staff and customers.