Fundraising challenges don’t get much more disgusting than the one just completed by Otley landlord Wayne Green.

Wayne was joined by pub regular Andy Forrest, 46, last weekend in the garden of Whitakers, on Kirkgate, when the pair sat down to polish off a half-pint full of live maggots each.

The sponsored ‘maggot drink’ was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, the pub’s chosen charity for the year, and drew large crowds of curious and incredulous onlookers.

Wayne, 39, said: “We waited until after our normal Sunday diners had finished their lunch, and then customers, supporters, Andy and I moved into the walled garden at the rear of the pub so the challenge could commence.

“There was a huge crowd in the garden to see it and when they unveiled the wriggling maggots in the pint glasses there were huge cheers, applause and much laughter.

“I have to say that it was definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, the worst thing I have ever done or would ever wish to do, just absolutely dreadful.”

He explained: “The idea was to take them a few at a time while keeping a supply of beer flowing througout to help swallow them down. But it was impossible to put out of your mind what it was you were doing – eating live maggots. I would not recommend it to anyone.

“We’re not actually entirely sure whose idea it was. It was just a throwaway comment between myself and Andy, but my wife, Mel, bless her, proceeded to put a sponsorhip form up behind the bar!

“Before we knew what was happening about £200 in sponsorship had been committed to it so we had no choice, we had to do it.”

He added: “We’re delighted with how much it has raised though, nearly £700 and there is money still coming in. We have a collection tin in the bar so if anyone would like to contribute they can put some money in there.”

The pub’s customers decided last Christmas that they wanted Macmillan Cancer Support to be Whitakers’ charity of the year for 2009.

Wayne's next planned fundraiser for the cause will be equally daring (if less disgusting) – a parachute jump, details of which are still being finalised.