Eco house is educational fishbowl

Eco House is open to visitors but has only one resident

The latest volunteer to take up residence in Leicester's Eco House has been chosen using a Big Brother style telephone poll.

The phone vote chose part-time musican Barclay Crowther to spend the next 12 months at the environmentally-friendly home in Western Park.

He beat two other contenders for the right to live in the house.

More than 100,000 people have visited the Eco House since it opened in 1989.

The Eco House uses solar and wind power

Eco House manager Ase Wilson said Mr Crowther will live in an environmental fishbowl with visitors tramping through the house on a daily basis.

Ms Wilson said: "Visitors are allowed in five days a week. Not even his bathroom is private. The only room in the house that he can lock is his bedroom."

Mr Crowther, who is a singer and guitarist in the Leicester band Lucy Fantastic, said he took on the challenge because he desperately needed a place to live.

"I am a struggling musician and the idea of living in a 'green house' caught my attention."

He said he will probably play some music for people visiting the house, but added he is disappointed there is not an organic piano available.

The new resident, from Halifax, Yorkshire, said he loves to talk to people, so he is confident that living in a Big Brother situation will not be a problem.

Coffee and worms

Dubbed England's first green city, Leicester is showcasing its Eco House as an environmental showhome.

It is crammed with the newest technology, including solar and wind power generators.

The carpets are made from natural fibres, such as sisal.

There is an organic garden, a cafe, wormery and Eco Shop.

Mr Crowther will live rent free in the house, but must pay his own council tax and phone bill.