Inventors Charles Sloan and Martine Benson could be in line for a multi-million pound fortune - after coming up with a device which stops people falling off step-ladders.

Charles and Martine came up with the novel stabilising idea for the ladders and have now had their idea recognised by the patent office.

Steady Step will make its debut at the Tomorrow's World 2000 exhibition at Earls Court later this month where it is hoped interested companies will come forward.

Charles, 39, who lives in a village near Clacton, said he had been told there was a potential market of 178 million users and a potential annual income from royalties of £10 million.

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