'Taking a gamble for charity'

South Shields MP David Miliband has put his gambling skills to the test by placing two charity bets at the Boldon Lane branch of bookmaker Ladbrokes. Managers at Ladbrokes generously donated £100 for David to gamble, with any winnings to be donated to charity.

David showed his loyalty to Sunderland football team by placing a £50 bet that the team would win promotion back to the Premiership at the end of this season, and bet the remaining £50 on races at the Northumberland Plate.

David said "I have every faith that Sunderland will regain their place in the Premiership at the end of this season, and look forward to being able to donate my winnings to charity".