Chippenham's MP has succumbed to getting an icy soaking to raise funds to fight motor neurone disease.

Duncan Hames was nominated for the ice bucket challenge by Hardenhuish School student Kieran Mulvaney, a member of the UK Youth Parliament for North Wiltshire.

Mr Hames used water from the fountain in Parliament’s New Palace Yard. He took off his jacket and tie on the lawn beneath Big Ben before emptying the bucket of ice onto his own head.

After gasping with shock he then nominated BBC Wiltshire’s Lee Stone and Bradford on Avon Councillor Ian Thorn to take the challenge, as well as neighbouring MP James Gray, of whom Mr Hames said: “After his Arctic expeditions, should have no fear of the cold”.

He said: “I confess, I was a bit cynical about the ice bucket challenge, thinking it was just a bunch of famous people showing off. Then I checked out the fundraising page for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and discovered that all this ice ‘nonsense’ has helped them raise more than £3 million in just a month!

“When Kieran nominated me, it was no good ignoring it any more.

“Please give generously to help tackle motor neurone disease, especially if you enjoyed watching cold water poured over me.”

Nearly £300 has already been donated. To contribute, text ICED95 £5 to 70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/Duncan-ICED55