Passengers have been putting their feet up and settling down to watch TV at Britain's most comfortable bus stop.

Feet up, slouched in an armchair with a hand on the remote control, Terry Websdale settled down to watch the news - to the amazement of passers-by.

Terry was catching up on the day's events while waiting for the number 76 at what was - for one day only - the cosiest bus stop around.

Electricians spent yesterday morning wiring up the bus shelter next to Eastbourne seafront, turning it into a home from home for travellers.

British Gas organised the stunt to promote a Win a Home competition and the firm expected locals to get so caught up in the TV they would have to drag themselves away to catch the bus.

But even after the addition of a green velour armchair, fake fireplace and colour portable telly, no one really seemed too bothered about settling down in the cosy shelter and finding out what was on the screen.

Those people who did try the armchair out for size, however, agreed it was a nice idea.

Lee Taylor, 15, of Bridgemere, Eastbourne, said: "It's mad. If you wanted to watch something on TV but needed to catch the bus I suppose it would be good.

"But it's not very easy to watch with all the cars going past. I feel like a couch potato sat here like this."

Terry Websdale, from Eastbourne, was more complimentary.

He said: "It would be a good picture if it wasn't for the sun. The cars are a bit annoying. If you were concentrating on the news it would be difficult. You want to go and close the window."

Andi Neophytou of British Gas admitted the bus stop - opposite Fort Fun on Royal Parade - was not exactly the perfect location.

She said: "I didn't realise it would be near such a busy road but at least there is a lot of interest from drivers. They are all slowing down and staring. At least we've made them smile.

"When we have done this elsewhere we normally get a lot more interest. When the football was on they queued up to watch it.

"Maybe there are better things to do than watch television on a sunny day in Eastbourne."

British Gas is giving away a £250,000 house and £1 million worth of home care runner-up prizes in a free nationwide prize draw, running until October 31.

A British Gas house on wheels will be touring the town from next Wednesday, August 14 to Sunday, August 18, offering draw information, on-the-spot prizes and competitions.