Atac, the company which runs Romes bus and tram services, has taken an unexpected turn with the launch of a website selling useful and unusual objects, ranging from an office golf set to a donkey that dispenses cigarettes from its rear end.

The "Atac Store" (www.atacstore.it) is designed for armchair shoppers looking for something a little bit different, whether to make life easier (such as a wind-resistent umbrella) or simply more entertaining (such as an egg cooker disguised as a goose). Pictures, prices and full details of all the objects on sale are displayed on the site. Purchases can be paid for by credit card or with cash on delivery and can be sent either by post (at a cost of 5) or express courier (for 9.90). The minimum order is 20.