A MUM who invented a simple way of tagging children so they do not get lost has scooped a top business award.

Mother-of-three Nadine Lewis, of Stand Lane, Radcliffe, captured the North West Orange award for bright business at the regional finals of the National Business Awards held in Manchester on Tuesday.

Her IdentiKids company provides personal ID solutions for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly and those with allergies, medical or age-related conditions.

The product range includes an innovative car seat ID card, identifying wristbands and electronic anti-wander monitors, and ID merchandise for clothing. One brand of the identity bands feature instructions in foreign languages so children who get lost on holidays abroad can overcome any language barrier and be more easily reunited with their families.

Nadine (35), came up with the effective method of tagging youngsters when she was separated from her own son during a visit to the busy Trafford Centre.

Nadine said: "I can't believe it. We are now in the national finals of a major business competition because of an idea that was aimed at preventing the heartache of losing a child.

"Bringing smiles to the faces of lost little ones when they are reunited with their mums and dads is the bottom line for me. And I'm glad to say caring parents in the UK agree with me because they know they can avoid the anguish with an investment of just a few pounds. I'm delighted to have won because we were up against some big companies."

Three years ago the businesswoman and husband David began work on launching their child safety idea from the front room of their Radcliffe home.

Today, their company is based at the Brenton Business Complex in Bond Street, Bury.

Recently, the IdentiKids range became available on the high street when the Boots and Mothercare chains took the decision to stock them.

Nadine goes forward to the UK finals of the National Business Awards in November.