How 'lightbulb' moment led inventor Gary to TV

A PLYMOUTH dockyard worker's lightbulb idea moment has been featured in a popular BBC TV programme.

- By KATIE OBORN

The local inventor revealed that ideas 'ping' to him at particular moments and now one of his “random” thoughts about underwear has made it to BBC’s The Big Idea Works show.

The TV programme gives “everyday people with big ideas” a chance to get their thoughts turned into an invention. Gary Hawes, who grew up in Southway, has seen his “moment of madness” become a helpful new invention in the The Big Idea Works show, hosted by British entrepreneur and Dragons' Den star Sara Davies.

In the episode, which was aired in February and is still available on iPlayer, coppersmith Gary says he is excited to be showcasing his idea on TV. The 60-year-old’s brainwave came after he was “caught short” on a trip away from home when he forgot to pack his underpants.

He said: "My lightbulb moment of madness (some might say) happened because I was away from home and realised I'd forgotten to pack my socks and underwear. This got me thinking that it’s a common occurrence, or just one of those things that often happens.