THEY always knew it would be a question of survival.

But Colin and Paula Green did not envisage being attacked by a swarm of African "killer" bees as they took part in the latest reality TV show, trekking through the Namibian deserts for Channel 4.

The couple, from Norton, near Stockton, were one of six couples who faced numerous survival challenges as they slogged for miles across north-west Namibia.

As the cameras rolled, the couples were forced to find their own food and water and take it in turns to keep watch in case wild animals paid them a visit.

But one of the most heart-stopping moments for Paula, 34, a senior business advisor, was when she was attacked by a swarm of aggressive African bees.

In the baking heat of the desert, Paula had poured water over herself to cool off, without realising that the bees were attracted to water.

She said: "I'm absolutely petrified of bees, so I was in total shock when they started swarming around me and climbing up my trouser leg and arms and stinging me.

"I genuinely thought I was going to die, and it was only when my husband managed to get my wet top off that they slowly begun to fly off."

Paula then had to trek four or five kilometres back to the car before she could get some antihistamine tablets. Trek leader and survival expert Major Ken Hames had to give her whisky to bring her round from the shock.

The couple also faced a tough time psychologically, being deprived of sleep and food, and surviving in extreme heat. Viewers will see sparks flying as tempers begin to fray.

Colin, 41, an electrical contracts engineer, said: "It was very tiring and very testing, but it probably made us realise just how strong we are as a couple. It was an adventure of a lifetime."

The pair beat 150 other couples to get on the programme, entitled Desert Darlings, and signed up after Colin found himself sitting next to Major Hames at a Teesside business awards night.

Despite Paula's bee encounter, and her falling ill after picking up a bug from the water near the end of the four-week trek, she said she would not have missed the experience for anything.

She said: "The only thing it's done for Colin and I is made us thank God we have got each other and a wonderful family.

"I would definitely do it all again."

* Desert Darlings is on Channel 4 at 9pm tomorrow.