A device invented by a former solicitor living in Ulverston is being used by the emergency services all over the world, writes Zoe Casson.

The univisor, a plastic attachment which fixes to a sun visor in the windscreens of vehicles to block out the sun to improve visibility for drivers, was invented more than two years ago.

Last year Howard McCartney, a former solicitor in Kendal, left his job to spend time improving the device by adding high-visibility signs to the back of it.

Emergency services now use the improved univisor when they are attending call-outs in unmarked vehicles as the signs inform members of the public who they are.

During the last nine months more than 5,000 univisors have been sold world-wide, and they are already being used on unmarked police cars across the country.

Police, the fire brigade and the coastguard service in Canada, Australia and Switzerland are also using the univisors.

Because of the success of the device, Mr McCartney, 47, and his wife Jan, 43, have set up their own business called In Pc Limited at Daltongate Business Centre in Ulverston.

For the full story see this week's Gazette.