A couple lumbered with a faulty computer say they have rung up a huge phone bill on a helpline trying to sort out the problem.

Martin and Claire Andrews bought their £890 Time Monster PC from Computer World in April after seeing an advert in a paper.

But they started experiencing problems with the machine, which turned itself on whenever the phone rang and started to drift out of focus.

They contacted the helpline but said it has cost a small fortune thanks to its premium rate.

Things started badly when the Andrews had to pick up the computer themselves - despite paying £50 to have it delivered to their home in Eley Drive, Rottingdean.

Staff at the store in North Street, Brighton were unable to say when the computer would be delivered so the Andrews were never in to receive it.

Then, once the computer was up and running, it started playing up.

Mr Andrews contacted Computerworld's helpline and has so far spent between £15 and £20 seeking help from a call centre in Burnley, Lancashire.

He said staff have failed to return his calls and given contradictory advice.

Mr Andrews, 38, said: "It's bad enough being passed from pillar to post anyway but when you're forking out on a premium line number and people are promising to phone you back but never do it is abysmal.

"You have a dilemma. You can either call the customer services line, which has you hanging on for 45 minutes, or you phone the so-called support line at 50p a go."

He now wants a replacement modem and a new monitor delivered to his home and is asking to be reimbursed for the calls.

Computerworld spokesman Chris Walford admitted premium rate numbers were used to boost the company's profits.

"Everybody in the industry is having such a difficult time because there's so little money to be made by making a PC we have to look at other ways to supplement the business.

"The idea is you pay 50p a minute for expert advice."

He said he would ask one of his team to contact Mr Andrews to look into the problems.