BIG Brother reject Tim Culley claims his life is being made a living hell by a gang of Upton-upon-Severn thugs who vandalise his car and threaten his family.

Tim, who made his name in this year's fly-on-the-wall series, says he is treated with kindness and interest everywhere he goes apart from his home town, where the perpetrators are making him fear for his safety.

The former Malvern College student says he has been threatened and abused in the street, and his personalised number plate has been smashed three times in recent weeks.

The troublemakers have also called Tim's mother Linda a "dirty slut".

Tim, aged 23, says the problem, which he believes is fuelled by jealousy, is getting beyond a joke.

He called the Evening News on the advice of police officers he contacted about the abuse.

"About 99.9 per cent of people have been really positive and lovely. Upton is the only place in the country where I've had any trouble," he said.

"This gang seems to think I shouldn't be here, even though I have lived in the town since I was four.

"It's getting to the stage where it's becoming worrying."

Tim was brought into the Big Brother house after the swift departure of Sandy, another of the contestants.

He was one of last five housemates in the show, but was given the chop on Friday, July 19.

Tim is staying in Upton with his family in between publicity engagements in London, which he says are "great fun" and always give him a good reception.

He says he is also treated politely by people on the street in other towns like Cheltenham, although he admits having to put up with a few well-meant "ginger" gags.

The gang giving him trouble in Upton is made up of around eight men in their 20s.

Banned

They have been banned from The Swan pub by Tim's father Neil, who owns it, along with Neilanos restaurant on Upton's High Street.

A spokeswoman for West Mercia Constabulary confirmed they had received reports of vandalism from Tim.

Anyone with information should contact officers on 01905 723888, quoting c/623236, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.