FANCY a free weekend for two in London? Local MP David Chaytor certainly doesn't!

The Bury North member was embarrassed at having won first prize in the Mayor of Bury's charity ball raffle.

And he was an even more reluctant winner when told that the prize was to spend more time in the capital - a treat that he of all Bury residents probably needs least of all.

"I am amazed that I won first prize since I never normally win anything, even in a lucky dip," said the MP.

"Naturally I wouldn't dream of accepting it - quite apart from the fact that it would be something of a busman's holiday for me!"

Mr Chaytor is now figuring out a way of awarding the prize to another Bury resident.

"I want to make sure that someone who really deserves it will be able to enjoy a weekend away in London."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.