Opportunity has knocked for an expert dedicated to opening and closing doors more safely.

John Parfitt has won a £10,000 Government award to develop a revolutionary device to improve fire doors.

Mr Parfitt, managing director of Advanced Door Controls, designed a fully-concealed door closer.

But his recently-established Brighton firm, based in Bonchurch Road, needed cash to turn it into a reality.

The concealed device would work in conjunction with the door's hinges, controlling how quickly the door closes.

It is the first closer of this type to include easy access, adjustable closing speed-control valves and a unique power adjustment mechanism.

Mr Parfitt said: "We think it will bring significant advantages for any buildings, like hotels or office blocks, which are required to have fire doors.

"You won't be able to see the closer at all, which will make the door look better too."

The Smart Award cash grant was given by the Department of Trade and Industry's Small Business Service (SBS), encourages innovation in England.

Design work on the closer has been going on for two months.

Mr Parfitt hopes to have detailed drawings ready by the end of next week to produce a prototype.

He expects the device to sell for between £70 and £100.

Mr Parfitt, an engineer, has been focusing on doors for the past five years.

His firm, which was founded 15 months ago, specialises in designing and making door controls.