A student from Redlynch, near Salisbury, has discovered the magical power of grass by winning a £1,000 prize for his revolutionary lawnmower.

Ross Head, 24, who is studying industrial design in Swansea, won the Audi Foundation Award for Progressive Product Design at the New Designers exhibition in London.

The cost efficiency and low maintenance requirements of "NyMo", which is made from plastics and nylon, impressed judges.

Ross, who was delighted at winning a prize, said: "I'm applying for jobs in the design industry and will be developing NyMo before approaching companies with my idea."

"The traditional lawnmower is famous for leaving an attractive striped line over the cut grass. My design will give the same healthy cut and visible attractiveness but ultimately for less money.''

He spent six months on the project, drawing his design with computer software to building a model out of wood.

A working prototype was completed in just a week made from old lawnmowers housed in a wooden frame.

The Audi Foundation, a non-profit making subsidiary of Audi UK, has awarded around 50 grants to design and technology course students, totalling almost £200,000 over the past two years.

* Grant information is available from www.audifoundation.org or 01908 601570.