A FRUSTRATED inventor who put his family up for sale as part of a tongue-in-cheek Internet plea for support has found two North-East backers for one of his ideas.

Father-of-two Malcolm Doherty, of Eryholme, near Darlington, had been willing to move anywhere in the world for £100,000 - the money he needed to turn his quirky inventions into real products.

He advertised his family on the Internet offering their services as workers in exchange for backing for his ideas, which include a toilet freshener and a sports bag that tames smelly trainers.

Now, two anonymous North-East small investors have come forward - allowing the Dohertys to take themselves off the market.

The money from the unnamed teacher and pub worker means Mr Doherty's Dream Dome - a dome glass structure designed to cover a tealight and heat aromatherpy oils for prolonged periods - will go into production, with an initial 300 being made.

Mr Doherty, 45, said: "We were prepared to give up everything and move away just to get my inventions made, so it's great news that we can stay in the North. I've got lots of other inventions ready to go too so hopefully more investors will come forward."