For inventor Peter Watts turning Britain greener is a matter of child's play.

The 39-year-old decided he wanted to turn his mechanical mind to helping save the planet.

And now he has made his mark on the industry by using an old child's scooter into a portable wind turbine.

The design could be used by holidaymakers to recharge batteries in their caravans or as a cheap source of extra power for people in remote parts of the country who rely on generators.

Mr Watts, 39, of Elm Grove, Brighton, said: "I became fascinated with wind turbines and green-friendly energy.

"I was looking for a way to build one and thought about using a child's scooter.

"Then when I built it I thought about making it a bit arty to put some fun into the serious business of wind turbines.

"When it was working for the first time, it lit me up with excitement.

"I only did it as a fun project something maybe for schools to be able to do."

Mr Watts, a trained mechanical engineer and designer, said the prototype wind turbine could now be improved.

He said: "If I made another one using a similar kind of child's scooter I could make it four times as efficient."

The turbine took weeks of work for Mr Watts, who designs and manufactures creations in his spare time, in between other projects.

He has also made a ten-sided poker table, so that each player has an equal view of others, a bird table with a removable base for easy cleaning and a light-up coffee table.

Despite having a love for what he does, there is a serious side to Mr Watts's work.

Other designs by the University of Brighton mechanical engineering graduate have included an egg-shaped concept car and an alternative design for Brighton's West Pier.

One of the biggest projects that Mr Watts has been involved in was the design of a wind tunnel to test the build-up of ice on aircraft wings.

Aeronautic specialists at Cranfield University used the wooden tunnel, built by Brighton-based Kiwanda Woodworks, in a multi-million pound air safety project.

Mr Watts, who used to be a taxi driver, said: "I was only a bit player in it as the finished tunnel had massive cooling systems bolted on but the concept was mine."

He drew on NASA technical papers for the tunnel with the project culminating in an official opening at Cranfield University by the Duke of Kent.

Mr Watts added: "It was a massive project at the time and it was a great experience."

You can view Mr Watts's designs via his website at www.runnerrunner.co.uk.

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