A BRAVE Bolton bachelor is set to celebrate his birthday tonight - shopping in his birthday suit. Stephen Sutcliffe, who turns 33 today, is set to stun fellow shoppers at the Costcutter supermarket in Boothstown when he goes starkers through the aisles in the name of charity. The dental technician from Derwent Road, Harwood, took up the challenge after Liverpool character Derek Hatton dared listeners of Century 105 FM to buy their goods in the buff to raise money for a good cause.

And Stephen, who hopes the supermarket trolley will hide his naked glory, says he might need a stiff drink beforehand to calm his nerves.

He said: "I'll be getting all my mates down to cheer me on even though I might be embarrassed. I'm really nervous about the whole thing and I've had the mickey taken out of me lots already."

Stephen hasn't told his parents yet and says tonight's BEN will be the first they know about it.

Shocked

He added: "I think they will be a bit shocked, but I'm sure they'll realise it is only a bit of fun. I am glad to be raising money for charity, but I think this is definitely a one-off. I don't intend to become a regular naturist shopper."

Stephen will join Anna McHugh from Stoke on Trent in the Costcutter Supermarket, Standfield Centre, Boothstown where the two could definitely prove a sight for sore eyes.

Derek Hatton challenged radio listeners to do their weekly shop in their birthday suits after reports in newspapers, including the BEN, that supermarkets were considering allowing naturists to shop in the altogether. The supermarket will be covering all their food products for hygiene reasons.

Steve Farrington, owner of the Costcutter store said: "I'll be interested to see what the reaction of my shoppers will be."

Following the challenge, Century 105 will donate the value of the shopping to charity. Derek said: "They are braver than I am."

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