Devizes MP Michael Ancram has announced he will be standing down at the next general election because of health problems.

In a letter to his constituency chairman, Ken Carter, Mr Ancram said: "It is with genuine sadness that I have decided to stand down from Parliament at the coming general election.

"This decision has been forced on me by considerations of health.

"I have for the past six years been on medication for coronary problems. I have, however, recently had to consider the effects of pressures of another five years of parliamentary and constituency duties upon my health.

"I have also taken into consideration the fact that I will be almost 65 at the time when the election is likely to be held.

"I have reluctantly concluded for the sake of my family and myself the time has come for me to stand down."

Mr Ancram has represented the Devizes constituency for 17 years, having first been elected in 1992. He has been involved in politics from the age of 23 and his parliamentary career stretches back 35 years.

He was Northern Ireland Minister under John Major and has been Shadow Foreign Secretary and Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

Ken Carter, chairman of the Devizes Constituency Conservative Party, said: "Michael Ancram will be greatly missed and his successor will have much to achieve to emulate his contribution in the Devizes constituency."

Mr and Mrs Ancram have decided they will keep on their home outside Pewsey and divide their time between Wiltshire and the Ancram family seat in the Scottish borders.