MPs and peers run Sport Relief Westminster Mile

Mr Davies was greeted with cheers as he crossed the line in first place

Running for Parliament took on a different meaning today when MPs and peers took part in the Westminster Mile to raise money for Sport Relief.

Conservative MP for Monmouth David Davies was first to cross the line in a time of five minutes and 29 seconds

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said the event "brought everyone together" regardless of their political colours.

Thousands of people across the UK are expected to run one, three or six miles for Sport Relief on 21 March.

Since its launch in 2002, the campaign has raised more than £80m for disadvantaged people in the UK and elsewhere in the world.

'Inspired'

Despite the cold, about 40 MPs and peers swapped their suits for shorts and T-shirts on Wednesday to run the Westminster Mile in London's St James's Park.

Former England and Lions rugby player Kyran Bracken was on hand to give them their starter's orders.

Mr Sutcliffe, who took part in the race himself, said: "Hopefully it has inspired people to feel they can do it on 21 March."

Labour MP for Dumfries and Galloway, Russell Brown, who clocked a time of seven minutes and 30 seconds, said: "I'm hoping to do another run with my wife and children in Dumfries for Sport Relief.

It's not Olympic standard but good for me Mark Francois Conservative MP for Rayleigh

"It is not the best of weather, but it is just great people are willing to give up their time for such a good cause."

Mark Francois, Conservative MP for Rayleigh, said: "I ran the course in just over seven minutes. It's not Olympic standard but good for me.

"It's a good bit of exercise and a good cause so is a way of killing two birds with one stone."

Lib Dem MP Tom Brake, for Carshalton and Wallington, who came third with a time of six minutes 12 seconds, said: "Sport Relief is a great cause and I hope this will raise the profile of events taking place up and down the country."

Sport Relief's live BBC TV show will air on 19 March.

Past fundraising exploits have included David Walliams' swim across the England Channel and Eddie Izzard's 43 marathons in 51 days.