A company is preparing to launch a sick bag with a difference.

QeeZee has developed a car sickness bag, which contains a chemical that turns to gel on contact with sick, preventing leakage and minimising odour and the danger of spillage.

Managing director Grant Dench came up with the invention when he was left with an expensive car valeting bill after his two children were ill during a long journey home.

With a background in medical equipment research and sales, he combined a hard-wearing recyclable bag used in Europe to transport organs for transplant, with pads used to mop up during operations and in casualty departments.

The bag can be sealed with a strip for easy disposal and the packaging contains an antibacterial lemon wipe.

The 44-year-old, from Burnopfield, County Durham, said: "The problem with using say, a carrier bag, is that they now have holes in for health and safety reasons and there is always the problem of the smell, which can trigger other kids off in the car, and the danger of spilling the contents.

"Sometimes, drivers even stop on a motorway hard shoulder to allow a passenger to be sick, which is very dangerous. The QeeZee is conveniently packed to keep in the glove compartment and the packaging is designed with children in mind, although the product is for use by travellers of all ages."

The company is planning to put the product in vending machines at service stations and in pharmacy chains nationwide.

QeeZee has moved into offices at the Quadrus Centre, Boldon, South Tyneside, after winning a regional Biz Idol competition held during Tyne and Wear Business Week.

Business development agency Tedco, which operates the building, offered a year's free office space as a prize. QeeZee also won legal help from law firm Ward Hadaway to the value of £7,000, free accountancy advice worth £3,000 from accountants Richardson Hall Kennedy and £2,000 in cash.