WHILE his footballing namesake never played for Man Utd, MP Gordon Banks got as close as you can get – in literal terms.

The Ochil and South Perthshire MP ‘signed up’ for Men United as part of a Prostate Cancer UK campaign.

Playing on the footballing giant’s name, the ‘Men United v Prostate Cancer’ campaign uses the language of sport to engage men in the battle against the disease.

Gordon gave the campaign his backing after meeting with charity staff at the Scottish Labour Party’s spring conference in Perth.

He joins Scottish football legend Denis Law, chat-show king Sir Michael Parkinson and comic icon Bill Bailey in giving their support.

Men – and women – are encouraged to go online to search ‘Men United’ to get involved by testing their knowledge of the disease with a simple quiz, and signing for the team.

Drew Lindon, Head of Policy & Campaigns at Prostate Cancer UK, said, “Prostate cancer survival rates are below the European average, research into the disease lags a decade behind that of other cancers, and quality of care and support varies depending on where you live. Men United is a powerful way for men, and the women in their lives, to mobilise against the common enemy of prostate cancer.

“By signing up, Gordon Banks MP has a place and a voice in a growing movement that’s taking action for men’s health. We are extremely grateful for his ongoing support, and would encourage people throughout Scotland to join Men United to help boot prostate cancer into row Z.”