The nation's obsession with 'reality TV' is being exploited by a council which is launching its own Big Brother-style project.

However, unlike rival programme makers, Brighton and Hove City Council is putting the lives of ordinary people on show not to win a ratings war but in a bid to turn the city green.

The stories of nine local people will be featured on a web site for nine weeks as they try to meet the challenge of leading more sustainable lifestyles.

They will each be given a digital camcorder to record the highs and lows of their mission and excerpts will be broadcast on the internet.

In true makeover TV fashion, a team of experts including energy advisers, chefs and an organic gardener will be on hand to help the chosen nine change the way they live.

Viewers will not be given the chance to vote off their least favourite characters but will instead see how the nine stars cope with trying to make practical changes to the way they live.

They will be offered advice about issues such as getting out of debt, giving up smoking, walking more and recycling their rubbish.

A council spokeswoman said the project was a cross between Changing Rooms, Big Brother and Ground Force and exploited people's natural curiosity about each other.

She said: "The public like finding out about people who could live on their street. The web site will show the highs and lows of the nine and how changing lifestyles is not always easy. It's about showing how individuals can make a difference by tackling issues head-on."

Leaders of the Ninelives campaign, which will be launched on Friday, hope the public will be inspired by the video diaries to think more about the environment.

The web site will feature weekly competitions and quizzes and 99 locals are also being offered the chance of a free career and personal development programme.

Each week the nine will film their lives as well as recording their feelings direct to the camera. The diaries will then be edited to 30 to 60 second clips.

The site at www.ninelives.tv will be updated every few days.

The public will be able to email comments to the web site and there will also be online advice about green issues.

Many of the ideas come from Agenda 21, a blueprint for sustainability for the 21st Century which obliges councils to develop their own local strategies.

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "The campaign is about promoting sustainable lifestyles in the new city of Brighton and Hove. Sustainability is all about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone."

Mr Bodfish said each person would try to achieve different goals according to their own lifestyles and demands.

They could include sorting out a household budget, becoming a smarter shopper or growing vegetables.

Project leader Nicolette Fox said sustainability was not just about the environment but also about poverty and jobs.

The deadline for applications from people who would like to become one of the nine is July 3 and the nine weeks is expected to start in September.

Application forms will be available on buses and in libraries, town halls, at Churchill Square and at Argus offices and on the web site.