AN INVENTOR who has found the answer to hanging heavy objects on walls has won a national competition.

Richard Hall, 59, of Swerford, near Chipping Norton, scooped the prize for the best new product at the Totally DIY exhibition, held at the NEC in Birmingham.

His invention of a new type of fixing for dry-lined walls, the DrylinePro, impressed judges during the trade fair this month.

The plug is designed to protect the plaster, while providing the strength needed to support heavy objects.

Mr Hall said: “I was gobsmacked. You know it’s a good idea but then it’s the whole of the industry saying it’s a good idea and that’s a really huge boost.”

He came up with the idea 18 months ago, while working for his own company Cotswold Flatpackers.

Previously, Mr Hall worked as an artificial inseminator for cattle, but was made redundant during the foot-and-mouth crisis.