by Nick Lillitos

nlillitos@thekmgroup.co.uk

Business secretary Vince Cable has pledged to help find the best young inventors with visits from his officials.

A scheme to discover young talent was launched by the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Brian Luker, in Tonbridge.

In a letter received by Tonbridge and Malling MP Sir John Stanley (Con), Mr Cable wrote: “The initiative fits well to raise awareness of intellectual property that the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) runs with schools.

"IPO officials have been in contact with Mr Bull (of Tonbridge Rotary) and they would like to support them by visiting participating schools over the coming months to talk to teachers and children about intellectual property.

"Please pass on my best wishes to Mr Bull for a successful event.”

Finding the best young investors in Tonbridge is supported by the James Dyson Foundation, started by vacuum cleaner designer Sir James Dyson, KCC and Tonbridge and Malling council.

The organisers are looking for an invention that does not necessarily have to be mechanically driven.

Chris Wickham, president of Tonbridge Rotary, said: “We want their imaginations to roam.

"We believe there’s a shortage of innovative programmes that capture the imagination of youngsters to harness their energies.”

Cllr Luker said: “It’s great to be here at the start of this exciting competition to find the young inventors of the future.

"It really will give young people the chance to use their imagination and creative talents to design a unique product, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with.”