DOWNPOUR disasters can now be dodged thanks to the innovative efforts of students.

A team of 24 budding inventors at Colchester Royal Grammar School have launched an umbrella which not only keeps out the rain, but prevents injuries caused by their metal spikes.

The sixth-form students came up with the new-look brolly as part of their work in the Young Enterprise scheme.

They hope the invention, called Cats and Dogs Umbrellas, will be especially beneficial for children and could even be sold by national retailer, Mothercare.

The umbrella has a smooth ridge around the edge.

Design director James Nightingale, 16, said: “The rounded lip of the design makes the umbrella safer than a conventional folding umbrella – preventing nasty pokes in the eyes! The highly reflective tape on the rim of the canvas also ensures young children are seen in the dark.”

James, of Thorpe-le-Soken, was inspired after his technology teacher spoke about design and competition in different markets.

He said: “It got me thinking about umbrellas and once we started on the project, it occurred to us how they are quite clumsy and not very safe and we wanted to improve that.

“They are also quite delicate and have a habit of breaking.”

James came up with the idea of the pop-up mechanism like that found on a pop-up tent and thought about how that can be used for the rim of the umbrella.

The team set about finding a replacement for the usual metal spoke mechanism and realised the boning from a corset would do the trick.

The designers are now seeking a professional manufacturer, based in Colchester, to create the final prototype which will be entered into the first heat of the Young Enterprise competition in April.

Teams which progress through the heats can go on to compete nationally and internationally.

If successful, Mothercare has said it will support the school to develop the product to potentially stock it in its stores.

Tutor Dr Stimson added: “To develop a new product from scratch and try to negotiate with major players in the market is quite impressive for 16 and 17 year-olds.”