RAMBLERS could soon be walking with an extra spring in their step thanks to inventor Tom Robson.

Mr Robson, from Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, is hoping his idea for a weatherproof, attachable rucksack mat will catch the judges' eye at this year's Spirit of Innovation Awards, and win him £6,000 in prize money.

His Pacmat has been awarded a patent and has already sold several hundred.

A keen walker, Mr Robson thought of the idea four years ago when he found wearing a rucksack could cause a walker to perspire, making it uncomfortable.

Pacmat acts as a breathable cushion between the wearer and the rucksack, and can also be used as a cushion to sit on when resting.

Mr Robson said: "It is extremely lightweight and simply attaches to the shoulder straps of any conventional rucksack without any modification required."

For information about the awards, sponsored by regional development agency One NorthEast, contact Victoria Walton on 0191-516 6045. The closing date for entries is April 30. The winners will be announced in June.