AN MP who likes his food gave it up for a whole day, for charity.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Ashok Kumar fasted for 24 hours to raise money for Oxfam.

He could not even be tempted with a large sandwich, offered him by Oxfam volunteer Suzanne Seymour on a visit to the charity's Guisborough shop.

Mr Kumar said: "In a wealthy society like ours, giving up food for one day may not be a hardship, but it can focus attention on people for whom the lack of food is a daily fact of life.

"Once again, I am pleased to be able to help Oxfam, this time highlighting the plight of street children in Tanzania.

"I am glad the event they have organised will raise muchneeded funds to help them.'