A STUDENT has designed a washing machine that will warn you when a stray colourful item is about to ruin your load.

John Cowan-Hughes, from Cowleigh Road, Great Malvern, created the "Soket" machine with two friends as part of his industrial design course at Northumbria University.

The appliance includes an LCD display which warns users when an unusual item of clothing is found in their washing.

Mr Cowan-Hughes designed the machine as part of a competition sponsored by appliance manufacturer Electrolux.

As the competition was part of his course work, there was no prize, but he said he was still happy to have won.

"It was a really rewarding project to do," said the 22-year-old.

"It is brilliant - it really does feel great to have won.

"The machine works on the basis that items of clothing have their own microchips so, when loaded, the machine knows what has gone into it.

"For example, if you put a white wash in the machine it would be able to detect if a red sock has gone in."

He said the project was about concept designs so there was a potential for production but it just depended on what the future held in terms of consumer demand.

The machine has several small washing baskets, rather than a single drum, which allow different programmes to be run at the same time.

Mr Cowan-Hughes added that, once he graduated next summer, he would definitely be looking to become an industrial designer.

Support

Electrolux design manager Krista Webb said it was great to support such a competition.

"We are delighted with these final concepts as well as to be showing our support for home-grown talent," she said.

"Students like John are our industry's future - they are the driving force between turning innovation into reality."