North Ayrshire MP Katy Clark has launched an astonishing attack on the monarchy after refusing to pay towards a fund for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Ms Clark is one of a number of left-wing Labour MPs who have refused to pay for a present for the Queen to mark her Jubilee celebrations next year.

The anti-Royalist will not be among the MPs who are collecting for a stained-glass window in Westminster Hall. MPs and Peers were last week asked to contribute towards the £85,000 tribute themselves.

Each received an invitation card asking them to agree to possible amounts on a sliding scale from £50 to £500, though £59 from each of the 1438 MPs and peers would cover the cost.

Speaking to the 'News' about her staunch belief concerning the Royal Family, Ms Clark said: "I have never thought we should have a Royal Family as they are the ultimate symbol of inequality and class division. Compared to many other countries we live in an incredibly class ridden society with huge inequalities in wealth and power." Full story including comment from local councillors Marshall, Gallagher and Hill in this week's Largs and Millport Weekly News.