South of Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth has put his best foot forward by helping Oxfam Books and Music Dumfries to climb the equivalent of Ben Nevis to help raise awareness of poverty.

The charity shop hope people will pop into the store and climb their stairs, with the aim that if the steps are scaled 110 times, it will add up to the height of Ben Nevis (1,345 m).

Colin Smyth climbed up the stairs in the Queensberry Street shop five times (12.5 metres) which will help add to their total.

Colin Smyth said: “I was more than happy to help Oxfam in Dumfries to reach their target. Climbing the stairs five times doesn’t take long but it all adds up. The message behind this is brilliant: if we all do something small to help tackle poverty, by giving what we can or donating out time, we can achieve great things.

“I would encourage anyone else out there to pop into the shop and see how they can help.”

Oxfam Books and Music Dumfries manager Rory Fairweather said: “By getting involved, whether by climbing a bit yourself or handing in some spare change, we can make a difference.

“We have also raised about £80 so far but the idea is that if we all do a little bit extra, it adds up to a lot more.”