A DESIGN engineer, with more than 30 years' experience, has hit upon an invention to make smelly shoes a thing of the past.

Malcolm Doherty has invented a device which he believes can get rid of nasty foot odours overnight.

His company, Tamer Cabinets, based in Whessoe Road, Darlington, has already received a lot of interest in the invention, with orders flooding in.

The Tamer Odour Control System, which can take up to six pairs of shoes, uses less electricity than a light bulb and is said to be quieter than a fish tank motor.

And with 80 per cent of the population claiming they have body or foot odour, and under-fives now among sufferers due to the use of trainers and wellington boots, Mr Doherty and his business partner, Andrew Donnelly, are confident that sales will continue to rise.

Mr Doherty said: "I've been a design engineer for the past 30 years and I've seen so many people make serious money from my ideas and inventions.

"I decided enough was enough and set up my own business. So far it is going really well and, hopefully, the odour control system will continue to do well.

"The product requires no chemicals or expensive parts. It comes complete with a year guarantee and costs less than a pair of trainers."

The inventor thought up the idea at 3am one morning, announcing to his wife he had discovered a way to get rid of smelly feet. He has now vowed to find a solution to all household odours, with his next venture aimed at eradicating toilet smells.

Mr Doherty said: "I'm determined to invent devices to get rid of every unwanted household smell, and I think I've discovered the answer to getting rid of smells in the toilet."

Meanwhile, the company is so confident of the success of the foot odour control system, which comes in the form of an ottoman, that it is happy to offer potential buyers the chance to leave their shoes in the shop overnight.

For more information visit the showroom at 5 Whessoe Road, Darlington, or call (01325) 389111.