A graduate is touting his idea for cardboard seating which will help the environment as well as festival goers.

Tom Vaughan, 26, has come up with a biodegradable, cardboard stool - named the S:tool - perfect for exhibitions, music festivals and sporting events.

Far from the seating collapsing at the first opportunity, it can take people of all sizes because it holds up to 200kg in weight.

Now all he has to do is sell his invention. He has already had interest from as far afield as New York and Amsterdam.

Tom, who gained a BA honours degree in 3D design for production at the University of Brighton, said: "The S:tools are very strong. They can hold up to three people.

"They are a fully functional piece of furniture which offer a great marketing tool for promoters. Because they're cardboard, companies can print their logos all over them."

He came up with the idea because he wanted to produce furniture using cheap materials and manufacturing processes.

The S:tool, like much of his work, was also inspired by his small living space in Brighton. He used to live on a floating yellow house at the marina.

Tom and his friends spent hours testing the furniture prototypes to get a truly foldable and sturdy S:tool.

The final design is not only strong but, at a unit cost of £2.12 per 1,000, the S:tools are cheaper than hiring seating.

Tom, who is now studying for an MA in furniture design at the Royal College of Art, said: "I have the manufacturers in place - I just need to sell the S:tool.

"I have never seen this sort of thing before but I'm hopeful the S:tools will catch on worldwide."

His design may have a helping hand because he has been shortlisted for the Concept Products Award at the Daily Mail Home Show. The event attracts 500,000 visitors a year.

Sponsored by MFI, the award recognises design innovation from colleges across the UK. The winner will receive £3,000.

Mr Vaughan, who lives in London, said: "I think it's absolutely great. As I have just started out in the world of design it gives me a fantastic opportunity to get my name out there."

The S:tool will be showcased along with 13 other finalists at Earls Court, London, from March 13 to April 6.