A BUDDING entrepreneur from Blackburn has been pipped in his TV bid to land £100,000 to finance his invention.

Ian Davies, 44, was hoping to land the cash on Sky One's The Big Idea show for his invention the Bandi after beating hundreds of competitors to make it to Sunday's live final with five other inventors.

The simple device acts as a grip to help remove a plug from an electrical socket.

The former factory worker, who has fibromyalgia, which causes chronic pain and fatigue, came up with the idea when he found it difficult to unplug his computer.

And despite failing to win the audience vote and the £100,000 prize, Mr Davies, of Openshaw Drive, remains upbeat stressing that working with show mentor and inventor of famous "Predator" football boot, Craig Johnson had been invaluable.

He said: "I am not disappointed. It has been really good exposure and Craig has given me some good contacts to look at developing the retail side further."

Mr Davies has licensed his idea to Supreme, a Blackpool-based company, which has marketed 5,000 Bandis.