A television trailer featuring stars ripping off their faces has helped new digital TV service Freeview get off to a flying start.

More than one million people have made enquiries about the service, and 65,000 set-top receivers were sold within two weeks of the launch of the service.

Manufacturers have reported high demand and retailers say the receivers are flying out of stores.

It's early days yet, but we're delighted that the first signs for Freeview are so positive

Andy Duncan BBC

Freeview was launched to replace the collapsed ITV Digital, and provides up to 30 channels for the cost of the �99 set-top box.

Analysts believe the BBC-backed service will be seen in one million homes by the end of 2002, including at least 800,000 people using old ITV Digital equipment.

"People are clearly responding well to the idea of free, simple digital television," according to Andy Duncan, BBC director of marketing and communications.

'Pleased'

"Of course it's early days yet, but we're delighted that the first signs for Freeview are so positive.

"And we're very pleased that already so many more people can watch the BBC's digital channels."

The TV trailer features personalities including John Simpson, the Tweenies and Alan Hansen ripping off their faces to reveal other personalities underneath.

Demand has increased enormously since Freeview launched

Spokeswoman Pace

There has also been a concerted radio and poster campaign.

They promote the BBC's digital services such as CBBC and BBC Four, which are available on Freeview as well as through Sky Digital and cable services.

Set-top box manufacturer Pace, who were the first to put a �99 receiver on sale, say the advertising campaign has helped drum up interest.

"We're very, very pleased with the way sales are going," a spokeswoman told BBC News Online.

"Demand has increased enormously since Freeview launched."

Crucial

Some analysts say 40,000 boxes are being sold per week, and that nine million homes will have Freeview by 2008.

The service's success is seen as crucial to the government's plan to switch off the terrestrial analogue TV signals by 2010.

To do that, everyone in the country must have digital TV.

As well as BBC services, Freeview also provides access to channels like Sky News, ITV2, Sky Sports News, UK History as well as a range of digital radio stations.

It is a joint venture between the BBC, BSkyB, and transmitter firm Crown Castle.

Last month, the manufacturer of a �99 digital radio set said it was struggling to keep up with demand for the equipment.