A DEVICE to put an end to 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 an ATV live stock feeder capable of travelling over rough terrain and which is maintenance free.

The feeder attaches to a quad bike and because of its compact size can easily be maneuvered in small or tight spaces.

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

Wide tyres give the feeder stability as well as helping to prevent feed escaping from the hopper.

Philip came up with his invention after talking to his uncle about the problems he experienced on his farm.

He currently transports animal feed using a wheelbarrow and several buckets, which entails making several journeys a day.

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."

He added: "The unit is designed to hold other substances such as grit for roads in winter or mineral and salts for livestock.

"if necessary the hopper can be detached from the chassis of the feeding unit which means it can be used as a trailer unit."

Professor Pooran Wynarczyk, head of the Small Enterprise Research Unit at Newcastle University, and one of the sponsors of the Spirit of Innovation Awards, said: "we've been particularly impressed by the quality and ingenuity of the applications submitted in the student category this year, and Philip is no exception."

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on June 19 at Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield.

Winners in each of four categories - student, individual, small company and large company - stand to win £1,000 in prize money as well as a bonus of £5,000 for the overall winner.