Ron's lunchtime diet of maggots

Ron, 46, defied council opposition to stage the charity stunt on public land by bathing right outside his own front door in Camperdown Street.

After a few last minute nerves, Ron stepped into the bath just after 1.30, a little later than planned due to the late arrival of a television cameraman. "It's disgusting, smelly and cold", said Ron as he sat waist deep in the wriggling mass of 15 pints of maggots.

But focused on his goal to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, Ron surpassed his sponsored 10 minutes and remained in the bath for over an hour to beat the official record of 55 minutes.

His time will not be officially recognised, however, as he said the Guinness Book of Records only count the challenge if completed by a group of people. Ron caught the media attention after Hastings council vetoed his plan to bathe outside the town's charity shop on the grounds that using maggots contravened their animal welfare charter.

The stench of ammonia had on-lookers covering their noses as the lids were lifted on the sealed containers housing the writhing maggots and maize. Acting as his "second", Brett McLean had the job of releasing the squirming grubs, many of which were already turning into flies.

"I can't stand maggots," said Brett, his hands encased in disposable gloves. "I think Ron is very brave and courageous.

"I can't believe I am standing here looking at them, and smelling them. They make me feel physically sick."

Ron's wife Samantha said she thought he was a "total idiot" and if she had her way he would be sleeping in the garden that night.

Earlier she had helped spread barrier cream over Ron to protect his skin against the ammonia.

"I am very proud of him for doing this, although I think he is looney.

"A lot of our friends and family suffer or have suffered from heart disease and we hope to raise a fair bit of money for a very good cause."

Halfway through, Ron said he was not feeling very confident and was perhaps regretting that he had not decided to bathe in something less gruesome such as baked beans.

But an hour later when he stepped out of the bath with maggots clinging to his cycle shorts (and inside despite him sticky taping the leg and waist openings!) he was washed down with hot soapy water by his wife.

He was applauded by neighbours as he completed the challenge including five-year-old Lee who had earlier joined in by dipping his toes into the maggot bath and finding the sensation made him laugh.

Ron has suffered a heart attack and stroke and is hoping to raise more than 300 for the British Heart Foundation.

He has been aided in his attempt by B & Q who supplied the bath, and Bradley Bates of Ashford and the Gun and Tackle Shop, Tenterden who supplied the maggots and maize.

He planned to dispose of the maggots by giving them to local fishermen.