The eccentric inventor may be a crusty British clich, but here in North Yorkshire we have established a thoroughly modern reputation for innovation. Our county's creative minds include David Lussey, whose revolutionary plastic polymer is being marketed worldwide; the people behind design consultancy Ideas; and those helping to establish the reputation of York Science Park.

Copmanthorpe businessman Andrew Gray can be added to this roll of honour. His trolley terminator is a wonderful example of applied thought. He saw the problem - two million stolen supermarket trolleys - and came up with a solution.

Anyone attempting to make off with a trolley fitted with Mr Gray's Radlock system is brought to an abrupt halt. With the major supermarkets expanding in York, his invention is needed to stop our highways and rivers becoming overrun with the things. And there is plenty of trolley lolly to be made. Radlock is set to make Mr Gray a millionaire. He is truly one of our top wheeler dealers.

see NEWS 'Trolley brake inventor to wheel in the money'

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.