Peter Sullivan had never stripped before. But as the 18-year-old whipped off his G-string to the tune of You Sexy Thing, the screams grew deafening. "Get your kit off," shouted hundreds of women. And he did. In fact, he was so pumped up by the whole performance that he went the "full monty" - to hysterical yelling.

Afterwards, grinning from ear to ear, he confessed: "I had no idea it would be like that. I promised my girlfriend I wouldn't go the whole way, but I did anyway."

The mechanic from Marston was taking part in the recent Full Monty competition at the Park End Club in Oxford, part of a national effort to find the top amateur male stripper - with a two-week holiday to Las Vegas as the ultimate big enticement.

Five others from the region had the same idea - and they all went down a storm. But the outright winner was 20-year-old computer sales assistant Paul Padgington, from Swindon.

Normally the club is packed with hip youngsters grooving the night away. This night was different. Girls scrambled their way to the front, jostling to be as close as possible to the stage.

And as they waited for the meat they started chanting. It was more like rock fans waiting for an idol than clubbers shouting for novice strippers. Backstage, the new stars were chewing their nails to the quick and starting to shake with nerves. Gurprem Daudhar, a 20-year-old Rover worker from Cowley, was so nervous he didn't know what to do with himself.

Finally the lads were announced and as they arrived on stage the crowd erupted. As the "hunks" strode into the limelight, even the bravest was momentarily stunned by the reception and froze.

But even Gurprem soon lost his stage fright and was doing his thing along with the others.

Colin Nias, from Abingdon, caused a storm. The 18-year-old student was first on and strode out with the confidence of a professional. He said later: "I was really looking forward to it and only did it for a laugh."

Deputy manager Peter Snellgrove was amazed by the response. He said: "The place was packed out and there were a lot more women than usual. It was a great atmosphere. I had no idea it would be so popular."

It had not been the same story a week earlier, when club DJ Ian Davidson was forced into the limelight to perform after no-one turned up for the auditions.

Peter added: "I was very disappointed with the number of Oxford men who entered. A lot more entered but didn't show on the night. I think if they had seen the response they would be queuing at the door to take their clothes off.

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