PLUCKY Paul Nuttall is strumming his way to success - after inventing the world's first drop-proof plectrum.

Paul, 47, who runs Reidy's music shop, Penny Street, Blackburn, came up with the round string-plucker as a replacement for the traditional triangular-shaped plectrum three years ago, but was waiting for the patent to be published.

Now the "Plectro" has been so successful it has already made it into thousands of shops across Britain and America.

The nylon Plectro is shaped like a washer with a central hole that promises a more secure hold as the gripping fingers remain in contact, making it virtually impossible to drop.

Paul runs the family-owned Reidy's Home of Music with his brother, Cris, and inherited the shop from their grandfather Fred Reidy, who started the firm in 1922.

Paul said he came up with the idea for the new plectrum while working in the shop.

He said: "Three years ago I picked up a large metal washer about the size of a 2p piece. As I held it, I thought it would make a fine plectrum, if it wasn't so thick.

"But because I'd previously had an idea for an invention - a right to left handed conversion for a guitar - that someone else put into the shops, I decided not to tell anyone."

So Paul, who also runs record company All Around the World, experimented with thicknesses and flexibility, until coming up with the ideal design.

Paul has spent about £8,000 on patent application and tooling costs, and employed Blackburn plastic manufacturer Hi-tech Plastics to make the Plectro, which retails at 50p.

"They're produced in batches of 600 and I have already sold a thousand. I have also just lined up a new dealer for another 500."

Paul said he was able to overcome the hurdle of getting them into the shops because he worked in the industry. By the end of the year, Paul expects 500 shops will be carrying the "Plectro".

Paul intends to travel to music trade shows in Frankfurt and America to give the world a chance to buy his invention.

He realises sales would jump if he could get an endorsement from a celebrity guitarist.

He said: "I would be glad to give a Plectro to a well-known guitarist. In fact, if any guitarist wants to go to www.plectros.com, he can find out how to get a free sample."

Jim Watts, who plays the bass guitar for the cult Manchester band The Fall, said he thought the new plectrum was a great idea.

"I've a big bag full of them," he said. "I must admit I've got a tendency to drop them all the time. But I'm used to the old design. I've grown up with it and the new one will take a bit of getting used to."

Blackburn guitarist Jason Marshall, 28, of Roe Lee, said the plectrum was a great idea and the hole in the middle enabled a tighter grip. He said: "It's a great design and I can see it doing very well."

Geoff Stephenson, 46, of Albert Street, Church, a keen amateur guitarist for 30 years, added: "The hole is a great idea and I'd say they certainly have a future."