Strip alternating spaces in first word of paragraph

I have a series of paragraphs in which the first word contains alternating spaces. How can I strip out the spaces of only this first word, while leaving the remainder of the paragraph untouched? Here's an example: T h i s is the first paragraph. Only the first word is wacky. A n o t h e r paragraph with a wacky first word! Strange stuff... E n d l e s s insanity here! -- Aaron Gould Parts Canada - Web Developer