A Harrogate inventor has come up with a revolutionary new battery which may eventually replace traditional batteries.

Howard Atkin, of Atkin Design & Development, has developed the battery which is wound up manually. By turning its small handle 60 times, you can store significant amounts of electrical energy. When its energy runs out it is simply rewound, producing an infinite supply of power at no cost.

Mr Atkin's work has been given vital support from Business Link North Yorkshire, and already an unnamed multi-national mobile phone company has been in talks with him to see how his "forever" power source could be applied to their product.

The wind-up device, which can be applied to virtually anything from hand-held television sets to electric toothbrushes, could have huge environmental implications. Around 100 million batteries are discarded into landfill sites each year, releasing harmful and toxic chemicals such as mercury and nickel into the ground and creating hazards for future generations. Massive financial savings will also be made.

"I suppose the dream scenario is if a major battery corporation offers me a fortune for the patent," said Mr Atkin. "The thought keeps me warm and cosy at nights."

Already Mr Atkin, 50, has developed a radio which can generate two-and-a-half hours of listening - "five times longer than the celebrated Trevor Bayliss invention which relies on the tension in a spring to operate a generator to power a battery whereas mine is more direct electronic storage."

The company, of Park Edge, Harrogate, has won a Smart award from the DTI to help it develop the power source - as well as a version which could power larger devices. It received assistance and guidance in securing the award from Business Link North Yorkshire Innovation and Technology Adviser Roger Benson. Mr Atkin said: "In a way it will be like carrying around your own little power station. Children will be able to power up their toys, instead of parents having to fork out for new batteries. The applications are limitless."