ROSSENDALE and Darwen MP Jake Berry is launching a bill to ban gambling adverts before the 9pm watershed.

His 10 Minute Rule Bill comes before Parliament on April .

Although unlikely to become law, it aims to prompt the Government to include the issue in its review of gambling legislation.

His is backed by Burnley Liberal Democrat MP Gordon Birtwistle and Hyndburn Labour colleague Graham Jones.

Mr Berry said: “When I was young, I used to read Beano by torchlight under the sheets. Unfortunately, today’s youngsters could be playing roulette, blackjack or poker on their smartphone or tablet.

“Figures show adverts for gambling rose to 1.4million in 2012, many during the daytime and early evening.”

Mr Jones said: “The bill could represent a small but positive step. Children do not need to grow up thinking gambling is intrinsic to life.”

Mr Birtwistle said: “I support this bill. We don’t want children watching gambling adverts.”