A REVOLUTIONARY new product proven to be more effective than winter tyres or snow chains is now being stocked in Kendal.

Kendal Camping, in Shap Road, is the only outlet other than the Internet to stock the Norwegian-developed Autosock, which was introduced to the UK market just last month.

So far, sales of the product (pictured below) have topped 250,000 in Europe as well as gaining official approval by BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler-Chrysler, Peugeot and Citroen.

It is thought sales of the fabric tyre cover will eventually eclipse snow chains which are not suitable for many modern cars, especially those with a low profile and wide, alloy wheels.

Autosock are made with a special textile that sticks to snow and ice, achieving better grip in tests than snow chains.

The product has been designed especially for areas with hilly roads that are not usually gritted.

Andy Taylor, of Kendal Camping, said the product was already becoming popular with customers.

The store is now to stock them continuously.

"I believe they will eventually become more popular than snow chains because they are so easy to store and fit," he said.

"And because they are fabric they are silent, give a smooth ride and can be put in the washing machine when they get dirty.

"We will continue to stock them alongside the range of snow chains."

Autosock are available at Kendal Camping at £79.99 per set.