TWO inventors could be sitting on a fortune after inventing a heated cushion which could appeal to hardy sports fans.
Michael Addison and Graeme Cruickshank, who work in the research and development unit at Procter and Gamble in Newcastle, came up with the idea during a routine brainstorming session.
They are hoping the invention will scoop the top prize of £5,000 in this year's Spirit of Innovation Awards.
The cushion is made of two layers of material with a heat reactive substance in-between. When it is exposed to air, the material undergoes a heat-generating reaction and can stay warm for up to two hours - long enough for an entire football match.
Mr Addison said: "We believe this product would be ideally suited for use while seated outdoors, for example, while participating in sports such as fishing, or while watching outdoor events such as football, rugby or hockey."
Procter and Gamble has patented the idea and agreed to license the invention to Mr Addison's wife, Christine.
The cushion will come up against competition from other North-East inventions at the Sprit of Innovation Awards on June 7.
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