A CHARITY for the elderly is quids in following a 'sporting investment' by Wyre Forest MP Richard Taylor.

Ladbrokes, Worcester Street, Kidderminster, gave Richard Taylor a £50 charity bet to celebrate the abolition of tax with the cash going to charity, whatever the outcome of the bet.

The MP, who knows a thing about long odds, bet the Kidderminster Harriers would beat Cheltenham at 3-1 with the winnings going towards Help the Aged.

Mr Taylor said: "I chose Help the Aged because I get so many calls from the elderly related to the hospital situation.

"A lot of them are frightened to go to their GP in case they have to go to Worcester.

"This is even more so out in the country where many of them are devastated by the distance."

"I'm not a betting man but I put a small amount on the Grand National every year although I'm still waiting for my first winner."

Unfortunately, the MP failed to break his duck after the Harriers drew 0-0 against Cheltenham at home.