NELSON coachbuilder Graham Hardman has invented a revolutionary system for minibus seating which will help save the lives of disabled passengers.

Graham has completed the development of the new flooring system that allows vehicles to carry disabled passengers in increased safety.

A new company, Euro Coach Floors Limited, has been launched to fit out vehicles for hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and charities. It is also selling the patented system to other body shop firms to ensure that as many disabled passengers as possible benefit.

Graham said: "This is not about getting rich quick. I am keen to share the technology with as many coach builders and repairers as possible. I can supply the system and train them how to fit it."

Graham has run his own body building and repair firm business in Nelson, Build-A-Van, for the past 20 years. He had his brainwave when he was working on a mini-bus for a rest home. He became concerned about the limited options available to seat the disabled and their carers and at the inadequate level of restraints on wheelchairs.

When he looked at potential solutions to the problem, he realised he needed help to develop his product without losing control of his invention.

"There is an inventor in all of us," said Graham. "I have had a lot of help in developing my ideas and making them commercially viable. I have also had help in protecting my ideas."

One major source of help has been the Pendle Enterprise Trust, which has given Graham an entrepreneurial mentor. Director Ron Morrish explained: "You only have to look at Trevor Bayliss, the inventor of the clockwork radio, to see that the UK could lose out if it does not stimulate and protect innovation."