A LUCKY youngster could soon be having sweet dreams from the comfort of a specially-designed Army Jeep bed - raising money for the Woodlands Respite Centre in York in the process.

The respite centre in Thief Lane, which is owned by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, is hoping to sell the unique bed to the highest bidder after it was donated by house builder Bryant Homes Yorkshire.

The bed, which is in the shape of an army jeep and combines a sleeping area with storage and play area, was custom built by Elvington-based company SJ Danby Ltd, for a Bryant show home. Both companies decided to put the bed to good use once it was no longer needed for the show home by offering it to the respite centre to raise vital funds.

Steve Danby, who helped make the bed said: "It's a local charity and we really wanted to do something to help.

"We were actually doing a quote for the respite centre so when we decided to offer the bed to someone they seemed the obvious choice."

Pam Cass, sales director of Bryant Homes Yorkshire, said: "Woodlands provides an invaluable service to people with multiple sclerosis, their families and carers, and we are delighted to support such a worthwhile cause.

"It's also nice to think that our jeep bed will be going to a brand new home where it will be fully appreciated and used by its new owner."

If you want to make a bid for the unusual jeep bed contact Vanessa Lindsay Smith at Woodlands on 01904 430600. The person who bids the most before Wednesday will receive the bed.

Updated: 08:37 Friday, September 13, 2002