TREVOR Sellars could help save the planet with his latest invention.

The electrical and lighting engineer, based at Cotswolds Innovations Centre at Upper Rissington Business Park, has come up with a dimming system for streetlamps which is currently on trial with the Highways Agency and several large private companies.

It could also prove a moneysaver for local councils - although they would have to purchase the system, which can be fitted to new lights and those already in place, the savings should cover the cost in around three years.

"Companies and local authorities have been told to reduce their carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2012, and the easiest and cheapest option for them is to dim street lights," said Trevor.

"On the Continent, cities are spending millions to dim their lights by 35 to 40 per cent and because the human eye has a limited field of vision, we wouldn't notice the difference. Factories could save by having lower levels of security lighting without damaging their risk.

"We have been overlighting our roads for years but it wasn't an issue until energy prices started rising five years ago."

Trevor, who moved to Upper Rissington three years ago, is hoping the Government will examine his dimming system, which can be fitted to streetlights for around £60 each.