A NEW method of getting around has been introduced at a business centre to inspire youngsters to become entrepreneurs and innovators.

The North East Business Innovation Centre (BIC) has an area called Big Ideas, which is designed to help people come up with creative and marketable inventions.

Nick Devitt, Big Ideas manager, has introduced the Segway Human Transporter, which uses the latest technology to work with the rider's movement - when the rider leans forward, the machine moves forward.

It was designed using technology from BAE Systems in Plymouth.

Mr Devitt said: "It works with the individual to enable them to move quicker, go farther and carry more with wheels instead of legs, a motor instead of muscles, a collection of microprocessors instead of a brain and a set of sophisticated tilt sensors instead of an inner-ear balancing system."

It is not street legal under UK law and can only be used on private land. But as the BIC is a 14-acre site, the Segway is good for manoeuvering around the premises and is being used to deliver mail.

Mr Devitt said: "As people ask questions about how it works and get to grips with its manoeuvring, it is encouraging them to think about this application of new technology and come up with ideas themselves.

"We work with a huge range of people, including schools, business and individuals, and I am sure that the Segway HT will appeal to all of these groups. We want it to work as a practical example of creative potential to help inspire the inventions of tomorrow."