AHEAD of this weekend's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, local MP John Lamont has backed a Borders winner by putting a charity bet on Sandy Thomson’s Seeyouatmidnight.

Placing the £25 each way bet at Ladbrokes store in Kelso, any winnings will be donated to MND Scotland.

Captain Redbeard, based with Stuart Coltherd also in the Borders is also due to race alongside Seeyouatmidnight to try to make it back to back wins for Scottish horses at the Grand National.

Mr Lamont said: “It was great to meet with the team in Kelso ahead of one of their busiest days. While we need to take measures to tackle irresponsible gambling, High Street bookies are working hard to know their customers and identify who needs help.

“Except for perhaps the bookies, everyone in the Borders will have their fingers crossed that seeyouatmidnight can repeat Scotland’s success of last year at the Grand National. It would be great for the Borders and great for Scotland. And a win for Sandy Thomson’s horse would mean a sizeable donation for MND Scotland, courtesy of Ladbrokes.”