INVENTOR Richard Abbott is at the forefront of efforts to fight the killer diseases spread by blood sucking insects.

The United States Army, the World Health Organisation and the London College of Health and Medicine are among the clients who have bought his pioneering equipment to feed blood to mosquitoes and other creatures which spread disease.

Under normal circumstances, laboratories rely on blood from specially-bred live mice to feed insects like mosquitoes and tsetse flies used for research purposes.

But Mr Abbott's membrane feeding system, designed, developed and built at his Discovery Workshops in Accrington, means scientists can humanely and conveniently continue research to safeguard millions of lives.

He said: "The equipment was originally developed for Manchester University and was funded by the Humane Society, an animal welfare group funding research to save animals. "It simulates living tissue so that the insects will feed. Female mosquitoes need to be fed before they will produce eggs."

Mr Abbott, who has also invented hydroponic plant feeding equipment for non-commercial greenhouses, says he recognises the great importance of his invention.

He said: "It is very worthwhile work. Without wanting to create a panic, there is evidence that populations of mosquitoes and other disease carrying insects are spreading. They may be nearer to us than many people think."

Mr Abbott, 48, is helped in his research work by wife Valerie, 39, and three children, Mark, 10, Jack, nine and Ruth, six.

He has been involved in development and invention in Accrington since 1979.

Now he is interested to hear from anyone in East Lancashire who has a genuine idea for an invention or development project which he can undertake on their behalf at his well-equipped workshop.

Anyone who wants to contact Mr Abbott can ring him on 01254 237649.

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