Local MP Cathy Jamieson has pledged her support ahead of the UK General Election next May – to a red squirrel called Bob.

The "Vote for Bob" campaign has been organized by the RSPB to help generate awareness of the threat to the UK's natural environment. It urges people to "Vote for Bob" to demonstrate that nature is important to them and to push it up the political agenda.

According to the RSPB, the UK's natural environment is under increasing threat. House Sparrow numbers have fallen by 64% since 1977, 97% of flower-rich meadows have vanished and 60% of plants and animals surveyed in the UK are in decline.

The RSPB hopes to hit a target of 150,000 people and 100 politicians voting for Bob. At the last count there were 114,644 votes from the public and 76 from MPs.

Cathy said: "As a keen walker, gardener and wildlife campaigner I was delighted to pledge my support to Bob.

Red Squirrels are just one of a number of endangered species whose natural environment is under threat and it is vital that we do not encroach on the landscapes, coastal areas and forests which provide the habitat for many of our flora and fauna.

The UK has many wild and open spaces and forests which are home to a diverse range of animals, plants and birds. We have a duty to preserve this for future generations.

That is why I fully endorse Bob's call to take care of our natural spaces."