KNOWN as the Squire of all England, George Osbaldeston was unruffled when he was accidentally shot in the eye on a hunting trip by one of his companions.

"I knew you would hit something eventually," he said.

A noted gambler, his last wager - when he was confined to a bathchair - was that he could sit without moving for 24 hours. He won, of course.

The 19th Century character, who came from Ebberston, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, was just one of a colourful array of oddballs who have brightened up British life over the centuries.

Now, The Northern Echo is launching a search for the most eccentric people in the North-East, with the chance to win a holiday of a lifetime.

It might be someone who runs an unusual event, such as a toe-wrestling competition, or a collector of aircraft sick-bags. It could be an amateur inventor, someone who wants to row across the Pacific in a bath, or just someone who enjoys dressing up in outlandish clothes.

Whatever their particular bag, if you know someone who is a little bit off the wall, we want to hear from you.

Ten regional finalists will be chosen from the nominations, who will each receive an award marking their services to life, laughter and the community, and a place on the first national Top 100 Eccentrics list.

One winner will be chosen to represent the North-East in the national final, with the chance to win a holiday of a lifetime, worth up to £1,500, and donate £2,000 to a charity of their choice, courtesy of competition sponsor Kellogg's Fruit'n'Fibre.

They will also be invited to London with a friend and spend the night in a top hotel, meeting Sir Norman Wisdom, who will host the national awards ceremony.

Author of Eccentric Britain, Ben Le Vay, who will co-host the ceremony, said: "There is really only one criterion, which is - do you know someone who is truly unusual, fascinating or amusingly different?"

So, if you know someone who fits the bill, write and tell us why they should be included in the top 100 list, on the coupon provided.

Please ensure that the eccentric is happy to take part and is free to attend the national awards ceremony, on October 25. The closing date for entries is Friday, September 21.