A PHONE technology company has developed brand new software which will allow people to shop online safely using their mobile phones.

And 2ergo is currently trailing the patented technology with several online ticketing companies before an anticipated full launch later this year.

The Rawtenstall-based company has developed 2safeguard which lets people search, buy and pay for goods securely using their mobile phones.

The technology is independent of a mobile network, meaning it can be used anywhere in the world.

The trials are with several online ticketing companies who cannot be named for confidentiality reasons.

Currently browsers can buy gig tickets and ringtones as well as pay for and download music and other merchandise such as posters of artists.

Neal Graham, joint chief executive of 2ergo said: "If you think about what people did on the internet five years ago and what people do now it is totally different.

"People would have been horrified about shopping on the internet because of the security issues but people do it now.

"We have created a solution where you can surf the internet, do your shopping and pay for it safely on your mobile phone.

"You are going to see huge growth over the next couple of years of people using their mobile internet to pay for things."

2ergo was set up in Rawtenstall in 1999 and employs 80 staff worldwide with offices in London, Washington, New York, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The company provides other services using mobile phone technology, such as news and entertainment services on text messages and allowing users to vote using their mobiles.

2ergo recently predicted results ahead for the year to August 31 would be ahead of forecast when they were published in November.

In May the firm issued a cautious trading statement after several high profile incidents surrounding TV show phone votes such as Richard and Judy and Saturday Kitchen.

Turnover for to the end of August is expected to be just under £40million and profits £3.7million.