Former Defence Secretary Tom King showed he was made of tough stuff when he took part in the Anglo-Swiss Parliamentary Ski Race yesterday with one arm strapped after dislocating a shoulder.

The veteran MP injured his left shoulder while skiing with the British Parliamentary ski team in Davos, Switzerland, but was determined not to miss the annual race against Swiss politicians.

Mr King skied with his left arm strapped to his chest and had only one ski pole to negotiate the slalom gates. Others taking part included Labour MP Denis MacShane, former Tory MP and spy writer Rupert Allason, and fertility pioneer Lord Winston.