A FORMER Forest Schoolboy will climb onto Trafalgar Square's vacant fourth plinth later today (Monday)to become a living work of art.

Optometrist Ishvinder Matharu, chose to take part in sculptor Antony Gormley's controversial 'One and Other' project because of his conviction that art should always be accessible to the public.

The 31 year-old, who will stand on the empty granite slab for a hour tonight from 6pm, said he developed his love of art while studying at the school in College Place, Snaresbrook.

He said: "I just loved the idea of the plinth and what it represented and so I applied online, I didn't think I would get chosen at all, actually at first they rejected me and then someone dropped out and I got their place.

"I'm not the sort of person that would normally do this, but its historic and I loved the idea.

"We were encouraged to take an interest in art by the school, so I have to give them some credit for my interest in this."

Mr Matharu, of Tomswood Road, Chigwell, admits that many of his former teachers and school friends will be surprised by his participation in Gormley's scheme.

He has refused to say what he intends to do while up on the plinth, but other participants will include a drag queen, a couple playing a chess game and a girl celebrating her 21st Birthday.

He said: "I've got no clue what i'm going to do up there, I'm not a performer and I don't have any natural skills that I can show off, to be honest, as time goes on I am more and more nervous about it, but I wont be offering anyone any free eye tests."

"I've got an hour, which doesn't sound like a lot but that hour seems to feel longer and longer the closer it gets but its a four metre plinth so you're limited to what you can do."

"I'll be getting beamed around the world via webcam, I know there might be a couple of friends watching from Australia."

The square, which is usually home to statues of British Kings and Heroes will be occupied by ordinary members of the public for 24 hours a day for the next 100 days. Mr Gormley said he wants people of all ages and backgrounds to be involved to show a true representation of humanity.

He added: "It could be tragic but it could also be funny."

Place on the plinth are still on offer. For more information visit www.oneandother.co.uk