Tim Leadbitter, 33, decided equipment to help disabled children get around was ugly after his daughter, Sophie, was born with cerebral palsy.

He has designed a support seat, and a walking frame that doubles as a toy pram.

The Sunderland University graduate is being helped by its business development team.

Entrepreneurial culture

He is applying for patents for his designs which are already generating interest.

Some of his designs use wood and are made to be attractive as well as functional.

Mr Leadbitter said: "If you have got a disabled child at school next to a normal child, you don't want them standing out with big, metallic, ugly equipment."

"I'm trying to get some of my products to look aesthetically pleasing as well as doing the job."

Hilary Davison, from the University's business development team, said helping Mr Leadbitter, and others like him, will benefit the region.

"We want to keep graduate skills and knowledge, like Tim's, in the North East."