A SEASONED traveller from Worcester has set up an "online safe" for people worried about falling victim to crime while on holiday.

Martin Hook has devised www.myonlinesafe.com which allows people to scan in images of important documents, such as passports, tickets, travellers cheque receipts, and driving licence, which they can then download anywhere in the world, in the event of the originals being stolen.

"People are now travelling more frequently to further and more exotic destinations than ever before," said Martin, who runs the site from Powick Mills, Old Road, Powick, near Worcester.

"If the originals of important documents are lost or stolen, then being able to visit an internet caf, log on to your personal online safe and print off the scanned images is invaluable, especially if you have only been left with the clothes you are wearing!

"No one can forecast what is going to happen but this new website gives you peace of mind and the copies of important documents will help to get your holiday or business trip back on track."

Martin set up the site after being taken ill while on holiday in Zimbabwe.

While recovering from a life-threatening case of amoebic dysentery, he worried that his backpack, which contained all his personal documents and had been left behind in a hostel in Harare, had been stolen.

"Fortunately, nothing was missing, but it made me think about how people managed to overcome having their important documents or valuables stolen while on holiday or business abroad," he added.

The 42-year-old came up with the business idea and attended a Profit Through Innovation meeting run by the West Midlands IT Association.

He met Charles Huthwaite, a member of WMita's committee and a director of Malvern-based Innoware.

The duo has joined forces to launch www.myonlinesafe.com which is already proving a hit.

The site also provides important links to help people plan their trip or holiday, find local ATM machines or accommodation when overseas, as well as a worldwide Embassy finder.

"Martin told me he had been looking at setting this up since last December and he was looking for someone to work with," said Charles.

"We launched the website together and I am sure it will be popular with people living across the globe."