An innovative new cycle helmet, invented by a Durham businessman, goes on sale across the country from Monday.

The revolutionary piece of headgear contains a mirror, which allows the rider to see behind them without having to turn their head.

The helmet's inventor, Billy Morgan, was inspired to invent the helmet after a friend's son was injured in a cycling accident.

County Durham-based company Reevu, which developed the helmet, claims it is the first of its kind in the world.

'Serious accident'

The helmet, which Low Willington-based Reevu claims protects as well as conventional helmets, works by using a series of mirrors.

They enable the rider to look into a mirror under the front rim and see what is behind through a window in the back of the helmet.

Billy Morgan, of Reevu, said: "This was something I got involved with because I felt very strongly when a friend's son had an accident on a bicycle.

"He was 12-years-old and had quite a serious accident. It happened because he turned his head to look behind him at a junction.

Billy Morgan acted after the death of a friend's son

"That motivated myself and another friend to see if we could make life better and easier for cyclists.

"As we now traffic is building up, and traffic is a problem if you can't see what is happening behind you."

He added: "This will help make things safer for people to get out of their cars and onto bikes."

Mr Morgan described the helmet as the most dramatic introduction into the cycling safety market over the last 20 years.

The cycle helmet costs �49.99, or �64.95 for a deluxe model.