A motorised bed took to the streets of Swindon to promote the importance of a good night's sleep.

Shoppers in Old Town were amazed to see the four-poster, which can reach speeds of up to 100mph, nipping along Victoria Road.

The unusual six-seater vehicle, built by sleep aid firm Nytol, was equipped with information leaflets and stress balls.

Victoria Gravett, 27, spokeswoman for Nytol, said: "We have been getting a really positive reaction from people on the streets.

"The good sleep promotion has lasted a week and we have travelled all over the country in the bed.

"We are giving people advice such as making sure they are using a good bed to help them sleep properly."

Neil Burgess, 30, who is more at home behind the wheel of a rally car, was responsible for ensuring everyone had a pleasant trip.

He said: "I really enjoy driving the bed. It's rather different from the rally cars I'm used to but it's a lot of fun. It can turn on a sixpence and is easy to handle. It can get a bit windy on the motorway but we get a lot of waves and smiley faces on our journeys."

According to a survey by Nytol and the Sleep Council, nearly one in four people in the South West suffer from sleeplessness from time to time.