THE region's most talented and innovative entrepreneurs are to display their inventions at an exhibition on Friday.

Innovention 2006 is open to the public and this year promises to be one of the most inspiring yet.

Inventions include everything from flat-pack dress mannequins and shotgun holsters, to pushchair hand warmers and mechanics' inspection lights.

The competition and exhibition, in its 15th year, is a hot-bed of creative designs and has been responsible for launching new businesses and turning many inventions into a commercial reality.

It is being staged at Winchester's Intech Centre, where inventors from Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will battle head-to-head to see who will be crowned the winner. They will also be fighting for a share of the £20,000 prize pool.

John Stainer, of the South Hampshire Enterprise Agency, which runs the contest, said: "This is not just about the prize money it's a unique opportunity for inventors to show off their ideas to experts who could help them turn their dream into a reality.

"This year we have had some very exciting entries and the exhibition will be well worth a visit. Who knows, we may well discover the next James Dyson!"

This year organisers have reported a marked increase in the number of women entering the contest, with designs including a shotgun holster and the easy change ZippityDuvet.

They are all hoping to emulate the success of last year's winner Paul Bone, from the Isle of Wight, and his NuCan a fuel can guaranteed not to spill. He has now received tens of thousands of orders and has even appeared on BBC 2's The Apprentice.

He said: "Innovention was a real springboard for me. It has given me the chance to really develop and manufacture my design."

Anyone can attend the exhibition, which is free of charge and open from 10am to 4pm.

The prizes will be presented at 3pm by Winchester MP Mark Oaten.