Maybe it's something in the water but Brighton and Hove has more than its fair share of colourful characters.

Now their lives are to be celebrated in an alternative history of the city.

The experiences of colourful residents will feature in a unique exhibition during the Fringe Festival.

The showcase, called Weird And Wonderful Brighton, will feature unusual stories and objects.

Although a handful of local celebrities have agreed to feature in the one-off event, organisers are appealing for other people to get in touch if they have a strange tale to tell.

Creative director Carola Del Mese, of Seven Dials, is keen to make the show a true people's history.

She said: "The aim is to celebrate the unconventional side of Brighton and Hove through the experiences of its often extrovert residents.

"I want the room to be like a magical cave, filled with bizarre objects and stories. Using lighting and sounds, the idea is for visitors to feel they are stepping into a whole new world."

Among those taking part is veteran escapologist The Great Omani, aka Ron Cunningham, from Norfolk Street, Brighton.

At 87, Mr Cunningham is Europe's oldest stuntman. He shot to fame in the Seventies when he emulated Harry Houdini by jumping off the West Pier bound in chains and rope.

A straitjacket and a bed of razor blades used in many of his stunts will feature in the exhibition.

Other stories to be included will be the Thirties trunk murder, when the dismembered body of a mystery woman was discovered in left luggage at Brighton station.

Displays about a woman who dressed her pet chimpanzee in expensive jewellery and a medicine man, who claimed to cure short-sightedness with a china cup, will also be included.

The South-East Film and Video Archive at Sussex University will compile a five-minute film of its weirdest footage.

The exhibition will run at the Nightingale Theatre on the corner of Guildford Road and Surrey Street between May 21 and 26.

Anyone with stories should call the Fringe Festival on 01273 692529 or 269651. Carola is also appealing for sponsors and display cabinets.