They are definitely more S&M than M&S. But these unusual beds are giving people the chance to whip their love lives into shape as well as making a unique style statement.

The brainchild of businessman Peter Igaz, some of the designs come with metal restraining hoops and extra-strong headboards.

They include The Dungeon Master, described as "a must for all dungeon dwellers and Gothic enthusiasts", and the resilient King Arthur, all made at his workshop in Burgess Hill.

The beds, made from sturdy wood and steel, are built to last a life-time and come with an optional "discomfort pack" - a cat-o'-nine- tails, riding crop and spanking paddle.

Peter, 37, also offers matching tables and mirrors for people who want to turn the bedroom into their very own dungeon.

For extra effect there is also a 6ft8in high wood and steel human cage.

Peter, who lives with his wife and two children in Crawley, said: "I can't compete with mass-made furniture from High Street stores.

"But when you take a good look at their beds you realise they won't last too long. Our beds are built to last."

Peter joined his father's sheet metal business in 1987 and started making the beds last year. So far he has sold about a dozen.

He is amazed by the response he has had locally and nationally, especially as he fell into the bondage business by accident.

He said: "I have a deep passion for medieval England and love the architecture. I wanted to make a bed for myself which wouldn't look out of place in a remake of an Errol Flynn swashbuckling film.

"When I'd finished the bed a colleague said to me, 'Put some rings on that and you could move into the S&M market.' It got me thinking about it."

Peter started advertising in Exchange And Mart and adult magazines.

He said: "As soon as our ads came out the phones went mad. We had inquiries from people from the Isle of Wight to the Highlands.

"We got more than we bargained for with some calls. We had questions about rubber mattresses and items for restraining a partner."

Peter said the most popular bed with women was the £3,000 Dungeon Master, while men opted for the oriental design of the Shogun at £1,000.

While keen to protect his customers' privacy, he did reveal they ranged in age from 18 to 80 and described some as "ladies who run houses of fun".

"I've had some unusual requests but haven't got enough experience in the industry to know what to do with them.

"Someone rang up asking if we made high chairs or playpens. I was going to direct them to Mothercare before I realised they wanted the equipment for adults. I didn't know whether to laugh or what.

"We are sticking to what we know - beds, tables and chairs."

Peter himself sleeps in one of his beds, the Dark Knight, but leaves the S&M to his customers.

"I'm very conservative in that department. It's definitely not me."

For more details, log on to www.bedjester.co.uk