KEEPING silent in a supermarket is no mean feat -- but that's exactly what Michael Bateman will be attempting today.

The checkout assistant is on a sponsored silence until 10pm.

And to ensure he is not forced to speak, the staff at Asda, in Astley Bridge, have created a set of idiot boards for him to hold up. Customers will be asked to donate to Children In Need.

A spokesman said: "It won't be easy for Michael because he's quite a chatterbox. We're really proud that he offered to work from 8.30am without a break for such a good cause."