A DISPOSABLE shoe developed in the North-East could banish end-of-night agony for foot-weary party girls.

The Soulmate, a comfortable line in foam footwear, will be handed out in pubs and clubs so that revellers can kick off their dancing shoes as they head for the exits.

A group of students saw a gap in the market after falling victim to a series of stilleto-related mishaps.

Newcastle University business school marketing and management student Adele Hopper, 19, from Sunderland, said one too many nights walking home in bare feet convinced her of the idea.

She said: "One day I came into uni complaining about my feet because I'd been out the night before and had walked home barefoot and my feet were in agony.

"We were discussing what we should do for our project then inspiration struck.

"A lot of women wear high heels when they go out and believe me, it can be painful.

"We decided you should be able to buy a pair of cheap, portable safe shoes to wear instead - with a bag in which to carry home your favorite party shoes."

The shoes, made from two pieces of synthetic foam, cost £2 from the students' website www.masac-house.co.uk and could soon be sold in clubs and pubs.