SAVING the customer money and saving the planet are the driving forces behind the creation of a water device by one of the entrants for this year's Future Business Magnates (FBM).

Easington Community Science College has come up with a business idea to save water, and a range of products to help find ways to conserve the supply while also cutting down on water bills.

The range of products devised by the year eight team includes: a bath sensor and thermometer that bleeps when the water reaches a certain level in the bath and also tells you how hot the bathwater is; a plant water thermometer that tells you when the plants need watering; a toilet weight that uses less water when flushed; and a shower timer that tells you after it has been in use for a certain time.

Josh Dixon, part of the school's team, said the inventions have a definite place in the market, adding: "A lot of people have water meters and so the more water they use, themore it costs them. If they use our products it will not only savemoney but help save water as well."

FBM, which is supported by The Northern Echo, sees 11 schools from across the region - as well as Bangor Academy in Northern Ireland - take part in six challenges revolving around setting up a business, dealing with aspects including location, advertising and finance.

The challenge will finish with a Dragon's Den-style presentation in front of three of the region's leading business people.