A DEVICE to end back- breaking feeding times on farms has put its inventor in line for a Spirit of Innovation Awards.

Philip Cowan, 17, from Middleton St George, near Darlington, has designed a livestock feeder capable of travelling over rough terrain.

The feeder attaches to a quad bike and can easily be used in small or tight spaces.

It can hold large amounts of feed and has a mechanism which allows the user to control the flow of food.

Philip came up with his invention after talking to his uncle who currently uses a wheelbarrow and buckets to transport animal feed.

Philip, a pupil at Yarm School, said: "In the past, my uncle had to make several journeys a day to feed his animals which took up time and energy. My feeder enables him to carry this out in one operation."

The winners of each of four categories - student, individual, small company and large company - will receive £1,000, with an extra £5,000 for the overall winner.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on June 19 at Hardwick Hall, in Sedgefield