QUEEN Victoria may not have been amused, but Chuckles the Clown is hoping for a more favourable response when he heads for the Hebrides for his own royal performance this weekend.

Ron Wood runs Spectacular Events from offices in Richmond, North Yorkshire, but has recently become available for bookings over the Internet.

So, when members of the Round Table on the remote Scottish islands were surfing websites for a suitable act for the Queen's official visit, Chuckles seemed ideal.

His role will be to help keep the crowds entertained while they wait for the royal party to arrive in Stornoway.

Mr Wood is hoping a costume he has designed specially for the day will catch the eye of the Queen and her entourage.

"It has a bit of a Highland theme,'' he said. "I've also got a sign announcing Chuckles' arrival, although I've squeezed a bit on at the bottom about the Queen coming too," he joked.

Mr Wood is a former Round Tabler himself and will take with him a pennant from the Richmond branch to commemorate the new link between the North Yorkshire market town and the Scottish island communities.

"Joking aside, I am honoured to have been asked to take part on such an important occasion," he said. "I hope I can play a part in making it a special day.