IT IS A MEAL that is not for the faint-stomached.

The Bobbing John in Alloa has launched its very own man versus food challenge.

For those brave enough, the plateful includes a mammoth burger, mountain of chips, stack of onion rings and two pints of juice.

The Man vs Food Big Burger Challenge will run at the Drysdale Street venue, a branch of national chain JD Wetherspoon, up until Sunday, May 28.

Assistant manager in Clacks, Chris Smith, said: "It's fun but it's not easy.

"It's three of our gourmet burgers, basically combined into one.

"It's our ultimate burger, our Texan burger and our BBQ hog burger combined into one burger: that's the challenge there and the accompaniments that go with that as well.

"So it's three portions of chips and 18 onion rings that go with that as well."

So far, seven have tried – and a further two were due to take it on at the weekend – to conquer the feat since it began on Friday, February 3.

Wee County man Steven Russell was defeated by the meal when he gave it a go.

He said: "I found out about it from a friend who mentioned it, we're both fans of the man vs food TV show.

"Basically, on a spur of the moment we decided to try it, thought it would not be a problem.

"I thought I'd breeze it, didn't seem too difficult – until I saw it.

"The challenge itself was more daunting than I first thought; the time goes by quicker than you realise and you're filling up faster than you think."

When it first launched the idea was to complete the challenge within 40 minutes – although you could keep going after this point – but now the timeframe has been removed.

All profits from the event will be going to Wetherspoon's chosen charity, CLIC Sargent.

Chris said: "The main hospital in Glasgow has just recently moved.

"CLIC Sargent had a home-from-home at the hospital for the parents of the children that are in the hospital, being treated for cancer.

"But the hospital has now moved so CLIC Sargent are now trying to raise funds to build a new home-from-home at the new hospital; that's where the Wetherspoon's money is focused."

Those who want to take part in the big burger challenge can phone and book a spot, at a time convenient for them.

There is a comprehensive list of rules to follow, along with a disclaimer, and participants have the option of changing their mind.

Those who successfully devour the meal will be able to go into the 'eat-off' on Monday, May 29, with details to be finalised.

It is expected there will be two categories – those who finished the challenge in under 40 minutes, those over.