A Birmingham radio station is to face court action over a competition it ran which is alleged to have left three members of the public in hospital for more than eight weeks.

BRMB held a contest during which contestants sat on "dry ice" - frozen carbon dioxide - a substance with a temperature of -78C.

Four people were treated for severe frostbite, with three of them requiring prolonged stays in hospital, it is alleged as a direct result of the "Coolest Seats in Town" competition.

The incident resulted in a loss of skin, fat and muscle and caused permanent scarring.

The Health and Safety Executive has brought the prosecution under legislation that requires employers to ensure people not on their staff are not exposed to health risks.

The contest was held at the radio station's Birmingham headquarters on Broad Street in August 2001.

The case is expected to be heard on 24 January.