THE development of a revolutionary high-speed drying system could be the catalyst for success for a North Yorkshire firm.

H2-Go, of Great Ayton, has devised a trailer-mounted dehumidifier which dries water-damaged buildings in less than five days.

Traditional methods can take up to six weeks.

It works by taking fresh air which is dried and then ducted at huge volumes into the affected building.

The dry air absorbs the moisture, and the wet air, containing mould spores, is extracted, cleaned and then vented outside.

The dehumidifier is now in the running for a prize at the Spirit of Innovation Awards, being organised by the North-East of England Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland.

Jason Lawal, managing director of H2-Go, said: "Water can cause untold damage to buildings and contents, which can cost a great deal of money to rectify, but can also cause a lot of distress to the people affected.

"We were called to a property which had suffered a burst water pipe in the attic as traditional methods of drying had failed to dry out the house.

"Within four days of installing our system, the property was completely dried out, much to the relief and satisfaction of the family."

David Howell, director of operations at the BIC, said: "This idea is extremely practical and worthwhile, saving customers a lot of time and money.

"Having run the awards for four years, we are still constantly amazed at the ingenuity of the ideas that are put forward, making our job of judging very difficult indeed."

Finalists for the award will be announced on June 19, at Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield.

Winners in each of four categories - student, individual, small company and large company - will receive a cheque for £1,000 and support to develop their innovations. The overall winner receives an additional £5,000.