Paul Smith: conducting some fishy business

Readers of a nervous disposition should look away now. Paul Smith, chief executive officer of Bolton law firm Keoghs, has taken part in his own 'bush tucker trial' in aid of local children's hospice Derian House. Showing a steely approach worthy of Janet Street-Porter on the most recent 'I'm a celebrity... Get me out of here', Mr Smith tucked in to starters of dried crickets and worms. For mains, he enjoyed a preserved boneless snake fish head - 'absolutely horrible and smelt of rotting flesh' - and a raw fish head. Such delicacies were followed by grass jelly, giant chocolate ants, scorpion in toffee, and a tequila lollipop with edible worm - all washed down with ginseng. Mr Smith had agreed to do the challenge if staff pledged a mere £250. So keen were they to see it happen, they ended up raising more than £300. This could be something they live to regret when they see their new billing targets for 2005, however.