HANDYMAN Darren Weeks has invented a gas safety device which could prevent tragedies like the one in which three people died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Burnley.

Emma Nelson, 75, and her grandchildren, 15-year-old Rebecca Marshall and Michael Wright, 13, died in their beds after becoming overcome by fumes from a gas water heater at Mrs Nelson's home in Berry Street last August.

Darren, 32, who lived in Berry Street and knew the family, said the tragedy prompted him to design his safety system, called the Life Saver.

It would use a central detector to "sniff out" carbon monoxide and shut off the supply to prevent poisoning or the danger of an explosion.

"I've been working on it ever since the tragedy," said Darren, who now lives in Bankhouse Road, Nelson.

"I just sat down and put pen to paper and drew up the plans. "I thought there should be something available to stop it happening again."

Now Darren needs professional help and advice to get his invention manufactured and on to the market.

He has been supported by the Dublin-based International Technology Exchange, a group that backs amateur inventors, which has produced a glossy 71-page report on the Life Saver for Darren.

But now ITE wants £4,850 and ten per cent of royalties over the next five years on any sales.

The cash would pay for marketing, promotion, and patents to stop anyone stealing the idea.

"I'm just an ordinary person and I've no idea how to take it on from here," said Darren.

"I need some help to get it made and put on sale.

Anyone who can help Darren can contact him on 01282 715096.

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