Ref. 75613-22IT'S every hardened drinker's dream to be locked into their local boozer for 24 hours.

But it could be reality for regulars at a Gorse Hill pub.

The Swiss Chalet, in Chapel Street, is to hold its own version of Big Brother to help with the tsunami relief effort.

Part of the pub will be sealed off to form the 'house' and a camera will be rigged up, allowing fellow drinkers to monitor the progress of their pals.

And, just like in the hit TV series, the housemates will face trials for treats like lager and crisps.

Lesley Hodge, whose partner John Honeyman is the landlord, will play the role of the strict Big Brother.

Drinkers wanting to be considered for the challenge, that starts at 7pm on January 28, must raise at least £100 in sponsorship pledges.

Lesley said: "On Boxing Day everyone was moping around. Then a few customers thought about fundraising events.

"A 24-hour darts competition was mentioned, then came the idea for a Big Brother-style event.

"On New Year's Eve, rather than charging people admission on the door we just asked people to put their change in our collection buckets that were being passed about. Over a few days we raised £1,800. That inspired us to get the Big Brother idea moving."

Lesley hopes to put 10 people into the 'house'.

"We've had a lot of interest and we're just waiting for the sponsorship forms to be printed," she said. But she remained tight-lipped about the trials.

"There will not be any messing about," she said. "People will have fun but it's a serious event and if anyone goes to sleep they will be evicted from the house.

"They will have to ask Big Brother for everything. Food and drink will be rationed out on completion of tasks and there will be controversy as we throw in moral dilemmas."

The first evictions from the house will be decided by fellow drinkers and hourly voting sessions will take place in the house.

Each housemate will receive a medal and a photograph and the winner will be presented with a digital camera and a bottle of champagne.

Other fundraising events are planned.

Pals Malcolm Poole and Wayne Ingram will spend a chilly weekend camped outside the pub.

And after Big Brother there will be "man creche" drinkers dressed as babies will have to raise £50 to enter and will be fed lager by a strict mistress.

Sponsorship forms are available at the pub.

Please donate

TO donate call the Disasters Emergency Committee on 0870 60 60 900 or visit website www.dec.org.uk

Or you can send cheques, payable to The Sri Lankan High Commission Disaster Fund, to the Evening Advertiser at 100 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3BE and we will forward them to the Sri Lankan High Commission, which can be called 0207 2621841. Mark the envelope Tsunami Appeal. To donate supplies take them along to hangar D1 at Wroughton Airfield and to volunteer phone Manolito Chandos on 07708 415362.

To volunteer at an Oxfam shop to help sort the donations call the Regent Street shop in Swindon on 01793 511138 or the Boroughfield Precinct shop in Wootton Bassett on 01793 850947.

If you are organising an event tell us on 01793 501806.

Kevin Shoesmith