A REVOLUTIONARY pillow developed by Clitheroe entrepreneur Mick Robinson is set to change the face of travelling. The JetRest is soft, light, comfortable and supportive, and is taking the travel industry by storm.

"The traditional travel pillow is normally u-shaped, inflatable and plastic, which isn't very comfortable," said Mick, 33. "The new JetRest revolutionises the concept of providing comfort with support for the neck and side of the head."

After travelling around the world and spending ten years in retail branding in London, Mick is confident his patented idea will be a commercial winner.

The JetRest comes in a range of colours and materials, including fleece, cotton, silk and cashmere. Filled with coated polyester fibre and weighing under 400 grams, each L-shaped pillow rolls into a 12cm matching bag for easy carrying or packing.

"I have spent a lot of time in planes and on coaches and know how uncomfortable it can be to travel," said Mick.

"The JetRest is the perfect solution, ergonomically designed to keep the head upright while resting, with the benefit of luxuriously soft fabric."

Launched through the website, www.thejetrest.com, the pillows were introduced to the travel trade at the Top Drawer exhibition at London's Earl's Court last month. Mick returned to his roots in East Lancashire to turn his idea into reality. Production is already under way in Blackburn and he is looking for premises for an increased manufacturing, sales and order fulfilment centre.

"I anticipate up to a dozen new jobs initially, with further growth as the JetRest takes off," said Mick, who is planning to extend his range of travel comfort products.

"I chose East Lancashire, and Blackburn in particular, because of the networking opportunities, business advice and support which the area offers. I have been receiving assistance through the Guardian Angels Scheme and am getting help to source local suppliers."

Phil Burgess, chief executive of Business Link for East Lancashire, said: "I am delighted that someone with such entrepreneurial spirit as Mick Robinson has chosen East Lancashire as the base from which to develop his product and grow his business."

"We can assure Mick that Business Link and other enterprise partners will do their utmost to help him succeed."