Colleagues thought inventor Peter Dangerfield had blown a fuse when he told them of his latest brainwave - a solar-powered light.

But the 24-year-old design graduate has reached the final of a national award show.

Peter's idea will go on display alongside 19 other finalists at the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show in Earl's Court in March.

The invention, called Solsken, is an environmentally-friendly form of lighting that charges during the day and lights rooms for up to seven hours at night.

The LED lights are hidden from view within a venetian blind, producing a dappled, moonlight effect.

Peter, who graduated from Brunel University last year and works at a print shop and internet cafe in Hove, said his eureka moment came when he was trying to design a product which was both appealing to consumers and environmentally friendly.

He said: "I'd like to have some more time to develop it further though. It's just a prototype and needs a bit of work."

The expected 500,000 visitors to the annual exhibition will vote on the 20 Concept Product entries to decide the overall winning designer.

He or she will be given £3,000 to help develop their invention for sale in the high street.

The show runs from March 7 to April 1.