MP set for her reality show debut

Julia Goldsworthy will raise money for the Cornwall Air Ambulance

Cornish Lib Dem MP Julia Goldsworthy is set to make her first appearance in Channel Four's celebrity athletics programme The Games on Friday.

She was criticised for agreeing to take part following Respect MP George Galloway's appearance on Big Brother.

Her participation was also put in doubt after she was given a front bench job shadowing Treasury matters, as the show clashes with next week's Budget.

But the producers say they are happy to fit filming around her Budget duties.

'Worthy cause'

Ms Goldsworthy, 27, said she was glad she could still take part and help raise money for Cornwall Air Ambulance.

New Lib Dem leader Menzies Campbell gave her a front bench job shadowing the chief secretary to the treasury earlier this month.

"I have always put my job as an MP before training for the contest but, after all the hard work that's gone into preparing for the competition, I am pleased that I can take part," she said.

"The Cornwall Air Ambulance is a very worthy cause and the thought of raising money for this important charity will help me to persevere when the going gets tough."

Other contestants taking part in the nine-day show in Sheffield include Peter Duncan, Bernie Nolan and Michelle Gayle.