A software developer's hobby has helped him net a tidy profit.

Greg Bassett is a keen Scalextric fan and used his 3D computer programme know-how to create a tool which lets people design their own tracks.

Hornby, the company behind the famous racing car toy, were so taken with his effort they snapped it up for a five-figure sum.

Mr Bassett, who lives in Lancing with his wife Amanda and three children, said: "There have been similar programmes around but they were all in 2D. I was selling it myself but when Hornby approached I was happy to do a deal."

Mr Bassett has since updated the software by adding a number of enhancements to incorporate the company's latest Scalextric Digital products, which lets users race up to six cars on the one lane.

Mr Bassett is now concentrating on developing his business, A-Lab Software, which designs and creates interactive, photo-realistic models of products made by all types of companies.