Frankie Boyle goes on hunger strike to support Shaker Aamer - the last British detainee in Guantánamo Bay

Boyle, who in December donated the £50,000 he won in his libel action against the Daily Mirror to Aamer's legal fund, stopped eating on Wednesday

Controversial comic Frankie Boyle has gone on hunger strike in support of Shaker Aamer - the last British detainee in Guantánamo Bay.

The Scottish funnyman, who in December donated the £50,000 he won in his libel action against the Daily Mirror to Aamer's legal fund, stopped eating on Wednesday in a bid to highlight the plight of the detainee from London, who is one of dozens of inmates refusing food in protest over their treatment.

Mr Boyle, 41, took the baton from human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith of Reprieve, who represents Aamer.

A prolific user of the micro-blogging site Twitter, Boyle has kept followers updated on the hunger strike.

On Wednesday night, before embarking on his protest, he wrote: "Taking up the hunger strike by proxy for Shaker Aamer tomorrow.

Congratulations to the bold @CliveSSmith after 7 days. I'll see how it goes."

Once the hunger strike was underway he continued to update followers tweeting late last night:

"Day 2 of hunger strike feels a bit like being drunk. Feel pretty good, but no doubt I'll wake up to find myself in bathroom eating soap."

Clive Stafford Smith began his hunger strike over a week ago as part of Reprieve's 'The Stand Fast For Justice campaign', which aims to "promote the rule of law around the world, and secure each person’s right to a fair trial."

Shaker Aamer has been on hunger strike in Guantanamo Bay for over 150 days.

According to the 'Stand For Justice' website, people from around the world have promised around 1200 days hunger striking on the prisoners’ behalf.

Shaker Aamer was arrested in Afghanistan in 2001 and has been held at the prison in Guantanamo Bay, without charge, since then.