FORGET I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, fundraisers set themselves their own daring challenge under the stars to raise cash for the Armed Forces.

Although there were no bushtucker trials, like those undertaken in the jungle reality TV show, the team showed they were every bit as dedicated to swapping home comforts for the outdoor elements.

The team, comprising six regulars from Colchester’s Britannia pub and Gurkha restaurant, signed up for the overnight adventure to raise funds for three charities: The Gurkha Welfare Trust, the Royal British Legion and the Army Benevolent Fund.

Michael Hinch, a singersongwriter, of Moor Road, Langham, took part. He said: “I was performing at the Britannia in November where my manager and event organiser Kev Wilde was joking around saying it would be good to go into the jungle and spend the night for charity.

“Obviously this wasn't possible, so it was turned into a local event.

“All the members had no experience of doing anything like this before, but were given advice by one of the Britannia Gurkha brothers, Umesh, who is a member of the Armed Forces and a leading figure of the Gurkha community.”

Armed with just a backpack, sleeping bag and warm, waterproof clothing, the team met at the pub to await further instructions.

They were taken to deep in Friday Woods and had set to up a bivouac camp, find their rations hidden in the woods, build a fire and cook their evening meal.

Michael said: “We all felt fine the next day and were pleased we actually did it.”

The team is still counting up how much it raised, but said it will be more than £600 for the charities.