The prospect of spending a night on a train platform is proving irresistible for rail enthusiasts.

Lou Rapley has not been able to keep up with demand since she opened her unusual bed and breakfast accommodation at the old railway station in Petworth.

Rather than spend a night in a fancy hotel, guests prefer the comfort of a luxurious sleeper carriage parked up at the platform.

Mrs Rapley has had so many passengers she has now installed a third carriage.

She said: "We desperately needed a new carriage as I was turning people away every day.

"My hotel is especially popular with people who are celebrating something like an anniversary, wedding or birthday.

"I paid £5,000 for the new train, which used to sit in someone's garden.

"It sounds very cheap for a train but it will cost thousands to restore it.

"The carriage dates back to 1923 and was part of the Golden Arrow London to Brighton route.

"As it is antique, it will be worth about £100,000 when it has been renovated."

At the moment, the station has five double rooms and one twin room.

The bed and breakfast venue has won tourism awards and been honoured by the Strategic Railway Authority.

It has also been given a five diamond rating - the highest awarded to a hotel - by the South-East Tourist Board.