THE exploits of a newly-established community on a Pacific island being created by a Malvern man are set to hit the nation's television screens.

Former Malvern College student Ben Keene is looking for 5,000 volunteers to take part in a unique social experiment by trying out life on a remote Fijian island.

The 26-year-old and his friend Mark James have set up a website where volunteers can sign up to the aim of developing a sustainable eco-community on the island.

Now, the exciting initiative has caught the attention of producers, who want to capture events on film.

Mr Keene said that since the project hit the headlines in both the national and regional press last month, about 30 production companies have been in contact, expressing an interest in making a programme.

He said: "We're hoping for something a bit documentary-style like Jamie's Kitchen.

"It's going to be really exciting because obviously it'll be very different to Shipwrecked, or Survivor, which are reality gameshows on islands."

Mr Keene has made a deal with Fijian chief Tai Mali for the tribe to use the uninhabited island for a year.

Members pay a fee to join and can then stay for varying periods of time depending on the sum they hand over.

Once 5,000 members have joined, a process of democratic decision-making will take place to decide how the island will be run.

Mr Keene said there has been overwhelming interest in the project. More than 400 people having signed-up from 14 different countries - including some from Worcestershire.

A film crew from the US television channel NBC visited him at his Devon home earlier this month to interview him for a piece to be screened on the Today Show this Friday.

He said: "It's been going really well and has been non-stop since last month. I'm really excited about the fact it's becoming global now and there are more and more people from different countries so we're creating a real international community."

The project is due to start on the island on Friday, September 1, and, in the run-up, labourers will install basic energy supplies and sewerage systems. Anyone interested in finding out more can visit www.tribewanted.com