A WOMAN who took part in Swindon's very own Big Brother has decided to apply for the real thing.

Claire Hodge, 19, came fifth in the charity 'Big Bruvva' event run at the Swiss Chalet pub.

There the aim was to stay in the 'house' for 24 hours but if she gets on to the Channel 4 show she could be locked up for ten weeks.

"I probably would go a bit mad," she said.

"But that's all part of the fun.

"I'd be prepared for whatever they could throw at me."

The former Hreod Parkway student, who now works as an administrator at Zurich, had to raise £100 in sponsor-ship to take part in last Saturday's event.

Ten people entered the specially-built house in the Swiss Chalet pub, Chapel Street, Gorse Hill and had to complete a range of tasks, such as eating a vindaloo and a memory quiz.

And for Claire it confirmed her feelings that going on the real show, with 24-hour surveillance, would be a good idea.

She said: "I've always thought about going on Big Brother.

"I've watched it since the first series. I really enjoyed last week."

Last year she got as far as the audition but this year she is determined to go further.

She said: "I went to Cardiff and we had to stand there in rows of 10.

"They picked two of the 10 to go through to an audition and they picked me.

"But then you had to talk to a camera for a minute and sell yourself which I did really badly at.

"But I'll be ready for is this year.

"I think I'll have to get really drunk before I go so I don't mind it."

This summer's Big Brother will be the sixth year of the show, which has made household names of the likes of Jade Goody, Kate Lawler and 'Nasty Nick'.

Claire said: "Last year was good but it was a bit too mad, it was a bit over the top.

"I think the one with Jade was the best one.

"She was a loud mouth but she was really entertaining on the show."

And following last year's romance between Stuart and Michelle, Claire is ready for anything.

She said: "For the money you can win I think I'd do just about anything.

"I don't know what I'd do with it all but I'd start by going shopping."

If Claire does make it into the house she will not be the first Swindon girl on Big Brother.

In 2002 former Page 3 girl Melinda Messenger starred on the celebrity version of the hit reality TV show.

Gareth Bethell