A mum who invented a hands-free hairdryer in frustration at trying to style her long tresses could be sitting on a goldmine.

Several major companies have shown an interest in selling Laura Grant's product - but first she needs a backer.

Laura, of Norsey Road, Billericay, said: "It would be very nice to think I could make a fortune.

"Everyone thinks the hairdryers are brilliant but I just need someone to put some money behind my inventions so they can be manufactured."

The 35-year-old decided something needed to be done to revolutionise women's hairdryers after ending up hot and bothered each time she tried to style her hair.

Fed-up with constantly putting down and picking up her dryer she thought how wonderful it would be to have a hands free model.

So she sat down and sketched out a few ideas, drawing inspiration from the microphone stands she used while performing with her 1970s soul band For Funk's Sake.

Laura then took her drawings to an engineering company, which made up some patented prototypes.

The mum to one-year-old Brittany, said: "Four were made up. One was about 6ft and on wheels, which would be good for hospitals or nursing homes.

"There was also a wall mounted version, one with a lighter base and one with a clamp to put a normal hairdryer in.

"My friends and family thought they were excellent and I used them all the time."

Laura's invention proved very popular with companies including Smith and Nephew and High Street giant Boots. They both wanted to sell the hairdryers through their catalogues.

Cable shopping channel QVC and hair giant Revlon were also interested - but the companies all told Laura she needed to have her dryers professionally manufactured before they could help.

Laura, who finally chopped off her long hair after having Brittany, said: "That has been my problem. I probably need about £100,000 to get going. It is a good idea and there is a lot of interest. A year ago I won a medal for the most innovative invention of the year at an inventors' fair at the Barbican."

Anyone who would like to back Laura can call her on 0585 273795.

More than just hot air - Laura's hands-free hairdryers could net her a fortune

Picture: ANDY PALMER

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.