Members of the group, which provides support for local people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), will enjoy lunch with Ms Brankin before getting their guided tour of the Scottish Parliament on February 6.

They will also get the chance to update the MSP on their activities and keep her informed on what 2008 holds in store for Midlothian Breathe Easy. In December, Ms Brankin was the guest of honour at the group's Christmas lunch.

Midlothian has one of the highest rates of hospital admissions and deaths caused by lung conditions in the Lothian region. Breathe Easy Midlothian provides support and a place to share experiences in an informal setting.

The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Old People's Welfare Centre in St Andrew Street, Dalkeith.

You can find out more by visiting Breathe Easy Midlothian's new website, part of the Midlothian Healthy Living Partnership site at www.helpp.org.uk or by calling Tom Hall on 0131 660 5055 or Billy Wight on 0131 663 3829.