A SWINDON boss swapped the computer chip for a French fry to raise cash for charity yesterday.

Bryan Welsh, development manager for IT firm Data Vision, agreed to spend the day in the hot kitchens of MacDonalds in Great Western Way.

It was to help raise awareness of the food giant's Ronald MacDonald Houses charity fund, which is used to build houses on hospital grounds for parents to stay in while their children receive treatment.

Every year it asks its office staff as well as main suppliers to drop their pens and pick up the grill tongs.

Mr Welsh, whose firm supplies internet terminals, enjoyed the challenge, but admitted it was hard work.

He said: "It is completely different to my usual work insofar that you have customers wanting immediate service.

"I was surprised with how structured the production line is."

Mr Welsh revealed he is no stranger to the grills.

In his younger days he was a kitchen hand in a restaurant in his native Scotland.

"When I was about 17 I used to work in a restaurant, so I can appreciate how hard it can be."

Paul Booth, owner of fast-food outlet, said for every portion of fries or bags of fruit, which the outlet has been selling for the past few months he would be donating 5p to the fund.

Mr Booth said he was delighted with his temporary worker: "He definitely got stuck in and seemed to enjoy himself."