A garden pond safety net to prevent children from falling in and drowning, is being marketed by a North Yorkshire firm.

Power Plastics Limited, of Thirsk, has won exclusive rights to a Katchakid, a US product which is a strong polyethylene net anchored to flush-fitted mountings around the edge of the pool or pond.

Using a drawstring method, the net is pulled taut towards its centre to form a highly visible, weight-bearing barrier across the entire accessible surface of the water.

The mesh size prevents a toddler's head from penetrating, and most children will find the net surface uncomfortable to climb on - a further deterrent to add to the visual barrier.

Updated: 12:30 Monday, August 02, 2004