Henry is speaking clock's new voice

Lenny Henry is to provide the voice of the speaking clock for the next fortnight.

The comic's Black Country burr will replace the usual plummy tones of BT's service as part of a Comic Relief fundraising drive.

Callers dialling 123 pay will 10p for the service, and proceeds fromtoday to March 23 are expected to raise £200,000 for the charity.

Lenny, who is temporarily replacing Brian Cobby as the voice of the clock, is only the fourth ever person to take on the role in its 67-year history.

He will be putting on a different voice each day in the hope of encouraging people to ring back.

He said: "I can hardly believe it. Wait until you hear what we've done to the pips."

Published: 10 Mar 2003