AN ECO-FRIENDLY Hampshire invention has been such a hit in the New Forest that it's set to go nationwide.

In a bid to get traffic off the roads, Southampton engineer Steve Jacobs has come up with the idea of combining a bus and cycle service.

The scheme involves attaching a trailer to the rear of a bus where cyclists can lock up their bikes for the duration of the journey before hopping back into the saddle to complete their commute to work.

It is not just commuters who are benefiting but tourists as well after bus company New Forest Tours agreed to trial the scheme.

Philip Curtis, Commercial Manager for the bus company, said: "It is working very well here as it is a green idea and becoming increasingly popular in the warm weather."

Mr Jacobs, 50, from Romsey now hopes his idea - sparked by a strenuous bike ride with his children - will take off on roads across the country.

He said: "The beauty of my scheme is that commuters can ride to bus stops, lock up the bikes in the trailer, take the bus into the town and then ride the rest of the way to work.

"My idea is aimed at the average person with the average bike and I am pleased with the success so far."

And his wish could be granted after selling the design to several towns and cities including Portsmouth where a route is currently being financed for the green scheme.