EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe will be keeping a close watch on the Weekend's Grand National in the hope of boosting one of his chosen charities.

The MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock recently visited Coral in Corringham to place a £50 charity bet on the big race, with any winnings going to Mr Metcalf's nominated charity, the borough-based MCA Trust.

The Michael Charles Adams (MCA) Trust, which is in Orsett, supports children and teenagers through their cancer journey.

And even if Mr Metcalfe's selected horse "Gentleman's Game" loses, the Betting and Gaming Council has agreed to donate £250 to the MCA Trust.

The Betting and Gaming Council, the standards body for the regulated UK betting and gaming industry, invited all MPs to visit a local betting shop in their constituency to place a charity bet ahead of the world's greatest steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse.

If the bet is successful, all winnings will go to the MCA Trust which is doing vital work to provide support services, special outings, and crucial equipment to children fighting cancer. 

Mr Metcalfe said: "The Grand National is one of those great sporting moments when the whole nation comes together.

"I was delighted to visit Coral in Corringham to meet the staff and customers, make a charity bet, and discuss the work that the Betting and Gaming Council have been doing to promote safer gambling.

"Betting shops employ tens of thousands on hard-pressed high streets and support our local economy through business rates contributions."

Betting and Gaming Council CEO, Michael Dugher, said: "Millions of us from all different backgrounds will once again come together to watch the Grand National and have a flutter on the world's most famous horserace. 

"It is an occasion like no other and demonstrates once again sport's unique ability to bring the whole nation together. 

"Betting shops support tens of thousands of jobs, bring vital revenue to the UK's hard-pressed high streets, and support the national and local economies through tax and business rates. They also provide vital community for millions of betting and gaming fans.

"I also want to say a huge thanks to all MPs, including Stephen, who have made the time and effort to meet with their local constituents working in high-street shops; for supporting so many good causes and local charities and for promoting the Grand National, which remains one of Britain's biggest and best cultural and sporting events seen around the world."