AN IDEA that came to Simon Dutton while he was out walking his dog could prove to have a bright future. Mr Dutton, from Ickwell, is now the sole director of Gloweasy, a company that produces illuminated signs with no batteries or electrical connection. Us

AN IDEA that came to Simon Dutton while he was out walking his dog could prove to have a bright future.

Mr Dutton, from Ickwell, is now the sole director of Gloweasy, a company that produces illuminated signs with no batteries or electrical connection.

Using "hush-hush" technology he imports from overseas, Mr Dutton's invention has impressed the producers of BBC2 programme Dragon's Den who have invited him on to the show.

If he wins it could mean his business will receive a massive cash injection to really get it off the ground.

"I applied to get on the show and was surprised when they asked me to appear," said Mr Dutton, 32, who builds all his signs at home.

"I believe my idea has got tremendous potential but I am a bit worried now about going on the show because I will have to reveal the secrets of my invention and then, with the secret out, other businesses could easily take it up and I would lose everything.

"I am giving this everything. I have given up my job and I'm devoting all my time to this invention which literally came to me while I was out walking my dog with a friend.

"I am thinking again whether I will go on the show because disclosing the technology could backfire on me."

Mr Dutton's invention has so many different uses. Not only can it be used as a glowing number on the side of a house but used for security purposes and even in industry on sites where electric power is difficult to link up to.

There are no bulbs, no batteries and no wiring. The lights, he says, will work for at least 10 years, possibly 15 years.

Mr Dutton is now hoping to raise enough money, possibly through the Dragon's Den programme, to find the investment he needs towards marketing and advertising.

In the meantime he is working overtime at home and has even launched his own website www.gloweasy.com to broadcast his invention even more.