EAGER homebuyers queued through the night to secure an exclusive York address.

Desperate to secure some of the plush new riverside flats in the city's Westgate development, the group spent the whole night outside the Bridge Street offices of Bryant Homes, waiting for the doors to open today.

While some were there to buy homes themselves, two people were waiting on behalf of friends - and being paid handsomely.

First on the scene was a group of friends from West and South Yorkshire, hoping to buy nine flats to rent them out.

They were led by Steve Cox, from Barnsley, who arrived at the offices at about 2pm yesterday.

He said: "We just think this is a unique development. It's a pretty good way to spend 12 hours."

His friend, Dave Deackon, also from Barnsley, said: "It's kind of an alternative pension scheme, rather than a pension. We'll just invest the money in property like this."

Also joining them were Bob Elliff, of Acomb, and Alex Bell, of Foss Islands Road. They were waiting on behalf of friends, whom they declined to name.

"Let's just say I'm being paid more money than I earn in a week to be doing this," said Bob.

"The person is a business client of mine, and he realised the competition for these flats was going to be incredibly fierce. I thought I would be first, getting down here just after 4pm, but these guys beat me to it."

Alex was being paid £160 for her vigil, by a friend of her mother.

She said: "I'm quite up for having a bit of a party here, yeah!"

For entertainment, Steve's crowd brought with them plenty of beer, and they even had a barbecue. Alex's choice was a good book, while Bob joked: "I think watching the Micklegate Run will be fun enough."

The Westgate development, next to the Memorial Gardens, off Leeman Road, is being marketed by Bryant as The New York of York.

Today's sales were only for flats in the first three floors of the block, which are on the market for between £115,000 and £220,000.

The upper floors, including the split-level penthouses at the top, will go on sale later in the year for unspecified prices.

Sales Director for Bryant, Pam Cass, said: "We're delighted with the commitment of these people, and we're sure it will be well worth the wait."

- In May, 1988, 100 people joined 41 overnight campers in a huge queue when the Bishop's Wharf apartments went on sale next to Skeldergate Bridge.

Updated: 10:22 Saturday, August 18, 2001