Chatshow king Jerry Springer may sing country and western songs at a music festival.

Springer is already a patron of The Rox annual festival in Bognor and wants to visit in September and take part.

Rox trustee Phil Davies has had several meetings with Springer, who has agreed to compere this year's event if his schedule allows.

He has even asked if he can perform songs from his 1995 country and western album Dr Talk.

The unlikely partnership began two years ago when a Rox sound technician turned out to be one of Springer's personal friends.

Rox founder Steve Goodheart said: "He was Jerry's UK and European bodyguard. They had become pretty good friends and he told him about The Rox."

Springer was due to appear at last year's festival but it was cancelled because of problems finding a venue.

Mr Davies said: "This year he has promised to make it if he possibly can and he has offered to help in any way he can."

Money raised at the festival will go to the Rox Trust, a Bognor charity dedicated to the appreciation and development of art in the community.

Springer will give a definite decision four weeks before the event on September 5 at Bognor Regis Town football stadium.

For further details, log on to www.the-rox.com