A pilot episode for a new sitcom, set in an underwater shack beneath Brighton's West Pier, was put together on a budget of £20.

Matt Whistler and Eric Mahonaneigh wrote, produced, directed and starred in the first episode of Radio West Pier and are hoping it will be picked up by a television company.

The show, based on a fictional radio station transmitting from a domed building which fell from the West Pier, is being broadcast on the internet.

Mr Whistler, 34, an actor and radio presenter, of Goldstone Road, Hove, said: "It's a zany, upbeat comedy which has been likened to The Mighty Boosh.

"We filmed the pilot through TV Brighton, the city's community television channel. It is part animation and part live action.

"We begged, borrowed and stole equipment and a number of very talented local people donated their skills and expertise for free.

"It just shows how in the digital age two people can film a sitcom and broadcast it on the back of a £20 note. "We're hoping to get it noticed and will also be broadcasting monthly audio versions of the show on our website."

In the show, Mr Whistler and Mr Mahonaneigh play radio presenters Jah Scooterman and Rico Mortis, who are squatting in the shack under the pier.

They raised the money to launch their radio station from selling pieces of driftwood on eBay.

Mr Whistler said: "It's got real potential and it is brilliant that we can get it seen and broadcast for virtually nothing."

Mr Whistler gained national publicity two years ago when he held Britain's first naked speed dating event at the Chez Nous pub in Arundel Road, Kemp Town, Brighton.

He also holds two world records, for being the only person to travel from Lands End to John O'Groats on a footpropelled scooter and for traveling 161 miles in 24 hours on the same vehicle.

For more information visit www.westpierradio.com