AN 11-year-old inventor has won a national television competition for a device she designed to pick up dog dirt.

Nicole Bell, from Darlington, was so embarrassed to carry around bags containing dirt from her Yorkshire terriers, Rosie and Mitzy, that she invented a Poo Pod.

The lunchbox-style design allows pet owners to pick up dirt in a plastic bag and store it out of sight in a container.

Nicole, a pupil at Hummersknott School and Language School, Darlington, entered her creation into the Entreprejunior competition for young inventors under 16, launched by Channel 4's Richard and Judy Show.

She came top in a viewers' phone poll, winning £500 and tea with millionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson.

She said: "I don't like carrying dog poo around in a bag and I said to my dad 'isn't there anything else I could use'.

"He said to look on the Internet but I couldn't find anything. So I drew a picture and went into the garage with my dad and we made it."

Her teacher, Barbara Still, said: "Thousands of children entered the competition but I wasn't surprised that Nicole won. The idea is superb. I honestly think she could become a very rich little girl if the product is marketed."