A woman who placed a classified advert asking for a companion to test out her time machine is set to make the first journey this week.

The time traveller - known only as Anna, from Exminster. posted an advert on Gumtree asking for someone to join her in trying out her home-made device.

And after being “overwhelmed” by the amount of people who wanted to take part, she has chosen her Marty McFly and will attempt the journey on Friday.

She revealed: “I have been overwhelmed by the number of replies to my ad for a time travel companion on Gumtree.

“After sifting through thousands of replies I am pleased to say that I have found a suitable candidate.

“We will be making our maiden voyage this Fri night at around 19:00. Wish us luck!”

Luckily for those who might be slightly sceptical, the whole event will be live streamed over the Internet.

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Rob Hutt from Big Shiny Ideas, the company handling the coverage, remained tight-lipped about what to expect, saying that details needed to remain “confidential”.

However, he warned that locals might expect some side-effects, adding: “The experiment will be taking place at an undisclosed location in Mid Devon and our client would like to apologise in advance for any interference to any of the local residents electricity supply.”

Very mysterious. Of course, if time travel is possible then it’s already happened and she could have told us about it last week. In fact, she still could.

Still, if there’s a Delorean involved we won’t be able to contain our excitement.

You can watch the stream on Anna’s website, www.myrealtimemachine.com on Friday at 9pm. An earlier showing will be held at 7.30pm at the Walkabout, Exeter.