TWEEDDALE MP David Mundell and former England cricket star Ian Botham have met at Westminster to discuss their new part-time roles as UK trade envoys.

Mr Mundell was recently appointed to help maximise business opportunities with New Zealand, while Lord Botham will focus on Australia.

Mr Mundell said he was “delighted” to meet up with Lord Botham.

“It was a very helpful preliminary discussion in which we were able to share ideas, information and experiences as we plan the task ahead,” he said.

“Lord Botham is no stranger to some of my constituents having passed through the area in the past on some of his legendary long-distance charity walks.”

Talks are currently at an “advanced stage” in negotiating a free trade agreement between the UK and New Zealand.