Neil and Christine Hamilton are used to getting themselves out of sticky situations but they are happy to be part of their latest jam.

The former Tory MP and his wife, who battled allegations of sleaze and scandal in Westminster, have put their name to a new jam raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The couple , who live in Hullavington, were at the launch in Somerfield in Malmesbury on Monday and even served surprised shoppers at the checkout.

The strawberry preserve, titled Jamiltons, is on sale in stores priced £2 with £1.30 going to the charity.

Mrs Hamilton said: “Macmillan approached us about the idea a few months ago. We loved the idea and thought it was terribly funny.

“It will hopefully be a bit of fun and bring a smile to people’s faces while also raising money for a really important cause.

“I shouldn’t admit this but I’ve never actually made jam myself.

“But why bother making jam when you can go to the supermarket and buy a jar of Jamiltons.

“It’s the best jam they make. We’ve tried it and it’s delicious.”

The jam forms part of the charity’s Big Picnic campaign to encourage people to have eat outdoors and raise money for cancer support.

The Hamiltons are no strangers to helping Macmillan Cancer Support.

They joined the World’s Largest Coffee Morning and Mr Hamilton took part in a tug of war between the House of Lords and the House of Commons.