WE ALL know how annoying it is when you have been looking for something for days and you eventually find it down the back of your desk or cupboard drawers.

An invention by a Crediton man, which will be available in The Range Stores across the South West will completely eradicate the issue in the future.

The Gap Trap was invented and designed by Martin Green who approached a local manufacturing company with the idea.

The company, based in Newton Abbot, took the project forward by making his idea a reality.

Understanding the challenges of coming from humble beginnings, The Range, says it is pleased to be supporting Martin with his home-grown invention.

Martin explained that the "One Stop Ideas Shop" at Plymouth University played an integral part in his invention becoming a reality.

The "One Stop Ideas Shop" provides a forum for individuals to talk through their inventions/business ideas in a confidential setting, receive face-to-face expert guidance to enable them to understand how to protect them and explore any potential for business opportunity.

The product is 1.5 metres in length (with up to a three metre version and various widths available soon) and can be cut to size with household scissors and fits gaps of up to 40mm due to the flexible design on the back of the product.

The clear plastic design allows it to blend in with any household item; the specially formulated, transparent, self-adhesive tape won't damage your furniture surfaces.

The Gap Trap is a great solution to a common problem and can also be used for many other everyday uses, eg as a draught excluder.

The Gap Trap went on sale in the South West stores and on-line on The Range website this week.

Martin said he was "thrilled" that the store had taken up The Gap Trap and he hoped it would be of benefit to people.

For further details check the "Facebook" page: http://www.facebook.com/gaptrap">www.facebook.com/gaptrap .

Alan Quick