ESCAPOLOGIST Kenny Dean is offering £1,000 to anyone who can come up with a device that can hold him for longer than three minutes.

Mr Dean, below, of Great Bedwyn, performs under the name the Great Kondini, will be entertaining the crowds at the Victorian Evening in Marlborough on Tuesday December 5, with a variety act which includes fire-eating and swallowing razor blades.

The climax of his performance will be taking on the challenge of escaping from a new device, which can be handcuffs, a straightjacket, chains or locks.

His assistant Pat said the only stipulation was he should be able to check the equipment is genuine and has not been tampered with, 24 hours before the event.

The Marlborough-born Great Kondini, who originally went into show business more than 30 years ago as a magician, has been issuing the challenge throughout the year at numerous events, but so far no-one has come up with a devious device.

Pat, his partner and stage assistant, said: "He has been doing this since May.

"But he still has his £1,000 in his back pocket.

"Providing he does not have to forfeit the money this time, he plans to put it up to £2,001 in 2001, and so on every year after, unless someone can come up with a device which beats him. But they have not been able to do that yet."

Anyone who wants to challenge Mr Dean can ring on (01672) 870251 to make an arrangement for him to see the new device.