AGROUP has been set up that hopes to follow in the region's proud heritage of being home to some of the world's most widely-used inventions.

The North-East Inventors' Club aims to bring together local, like-minded people to meet, talk and learn about the patent process and also to get their ideas off the ground.

It is the brainchild of a group of people from all walks of life who hope to provide a regional forum for local inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs.

The club offers expert advice on issues such as funding, patents, new product development, process innovation and much more.

Members meet other people on the same wavelength and local experts who can assist them at every stage of developing their idea.

But it is not just big business that offers a forum for inventors and their creations - some of the best ideas come from a potting shed or back bedroom.

David Singleton, 68, of Belmont, Durham, a former telecommunications engineer, has designed a folding workbench that is easy to store and is adjustable to suit most sizes and situations.

It includes various gadgets and gizmos useful to both DIY amateurs and the professionals.

He designed and built the bench at home in his spare time and already has a working prototype.

Mr Singleton said: "I have got a lot of help from Northumbria University and I am waiting to hear from the patent office in Newcastle about my application.

"The inventors' club is a good social event and there is a guest speaker who tells you where you can find assistance with your project," he said.

"For me, the simpler things are the better, and that is the thing about inventing - we are always trying to find easier ways of doing things."

The group's next meeting is at 6.30pm on Thursday, at the Northern Constitutional Club, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle (next to the old Odeon cinema).

Place need to be booked by calling Dawn Lycett on 0191-516 4408.