Ref. 12023FIONA Scruton, landlady of the Lamb Inn in Urchfont, is under no illusions that tomorrow evening will be an ordeal of no mean proportions.

Mrs Scruton, who took over the village pub in October last year, will attempt to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care by staying silent for three hours between 8pm and 11pm.

And she knows just how tough it will be not being able to join in the jolly banter on a busy evening.

She said: "My regulars think the idea of me staying silent for three minutes, let alone three hours, is hilarious.

"They have devised a forfeit for me if I fail. Every year in the village we have a scarecrow festival, in which lots of residents make and put up scarecrows according to a chosen theme.

"If I don't keep my mouth shut for the full three hours, I have to dress up as a scarecrow for an hour. The organisers of the festival are even making a costume for me."

Mrs Scruton has chosen Marie Curie Cancer Care because of her own experience. She said: "I have had three bouts of cancer, the last just two years ago. I was very lucky. They were able to operate and remove the tumour completely. I didn't need chemotherapy or anything like that."

Mrs Scruton is receiving a lot of support from her husband, Chris, a farrier, and her children. She hopes to raise at least £500 for the charity by her silence.

Sponsorship forms are available in the Lamb and at the Three Magpies in Sells Green where she worked for many years.