The Queen of Bermuda has thrown down the gauntlet to the Premier and Governor to dig in their heels for charity.

Mark Anderson, aka Sybil Barrington, is also challenging the Opposition Leader, Police Commissioner and Public Safety Minister David Burch to take part in 'Hard Times High Heels... going the distance', in aid of the Bermuda Red Cross and Bermuda Hospitals Charitable Trust.

The drag queen however, will have an unfair advantage in the men's 100 yard dash, as wearing high heels is second nature to Sybil. Mr. Anderson's toughest challenge will be choosing which one of more than 100 pairs of shoes he should wear in the race on Wednesday.

"It's a real dilemma," he said. "I'm looking at them right now trying to figure out which ones I should wear. The requirement is they've got to be over three inches, and of course, they will have to be hot.

"My highest pair are six inches but I don't know if I'll be wearing those as I don't want to sprain my ankle."

Mr. Anderson said: "I am requesting the participation of the Governor (Sir Richard Gozney), the Premier (Dr. Ewart Brown), the Opposition Leader (Kim Swan), Police Commissioner (George Jackson) and Senator David Burch (Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing).

"I hope they sign up because I would love to run against them. It would be interesting to see who would come first.

"But it's not about winning, it's about coming together. Everyone is a winner if they participate, so let's have fun for the day."

'Hard Times High Heels' will be held at Harbour Nights and consists of a men's, women's and juniors' race.

Judges Dame Jennifer Smith, Amethyst of Spirit Wear Collection and Ann Spencer-Arscott, director of the Bermuda Red Cross, will also judge who has the 'Cutest Shoe'.

Up to 150 entrants are expected to take part in the event at 7.30 p.m. in Front Street. It is being sponsored by John Hopkins Medicine International.

To register log onto: www.bhct.bm/ or call 299-5170 or 236-8253.

Registration costs $30, but those who raise more than $200 get the fee waived. Participants should arrive by 7 p.m..

Prizes include gym memberships to The Athletic Club, makeovers and gift cards. The first 100 participants will also be given a goody bag.