Eight mega burgers, plus all the trimmings, will be scoffed by eight willing volunteers as part of an extravaganza night in aid of a multiple sclerosis charity.

The Man v Food challenge, named after the American reality TV programme, takes place in the Northrepps Cottage Country Hotel, near Cromer, on April 13, in support of London Marathon runner Paul Gibbons.

Mr Gibbons, 37, is one of three North Walsham men who will be pounding the capital's streets the following week, on April 21, in aid of MS-UK, formerly known as MSRC (Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre).

He is a friend of Northrepps Cottage manager Matt Galasky who has organised the fundraiser.

It will also include an American-style gala buffet, live music from Pulse, a disco, an elaborately dressed room, lasers and two large screens to watch the contestants battle their way through as much of their food mountain as possible in one hour.

So far seven local celebrities had been picked to take part in the contest, according to Mr Galasky. The search for the eighth was underway.

Those chosen are: Stephen Underwood, manager of North Walsham Town A football team; Barney Lee, of S&M Building Supplies; Gary Foyster, Sheffield United fan; James Ellis, of Crawford and Abbs and a crew member with Mundesley inshore lifeboat; Jason Craske, of Mundesley Butchers who are providing the all-beef burgers; Patrick Johnson, North Walsham Town FC's reserve team manager; and Tyrone Bowles, Mundesley's Got Talent Winner 2011.

They will each be tucking into a giant burger in a bread bun plus chips, onion rings, cheese and sauces.

Mr Gibbons and fellow marathon men Martin Hicks and Martin Church are already running 40-50 miles a week in their training programme.

They hope their fundraising will eventually raise about £7,000 for the cause.

'Martin Hicks suggested it because he has had family members who have suffered the harrowing symptoms of MS,' said Mr Gibbons, who is both a digital artist and runs a wood working machinery business, Cut-It-Out, on North Walsham's industrial estate with his brother, Stephen.

The marathon trio are also staging a fundraiser at North Walsham's Black Swan pub on March 16 from 8.30pm which will feature music from Zarkov's Rocket and an auction of sporting memorabilia including a pair of boxing shorts signed by Muhammad Ali.

? Tickets for the Northrepps Cottage event are £19.95 with 50pc going to MS-UK. Doors open at 6.30pm. For more information ring 01263 579202