A unique energy-saving product made in Maryport has been granted a patent, nine years after its creator first applied for it.

Chimney Sheep Ltd has been granted the patent for its draught excluder, made with Herdwick wool, making it one of the only ones on the market to have protection against it being copied by competitors.

Sally Phillips, of Cockermouth, invented the excluder in 2011 and applied for the patent then.

It means no one can make, use or sell the design or product without Chimney Sheep Ltd's permission.

Studies have shown that by using it over a year, it can stop the emission of up to 250kgs of CO2 which is the same amount of CO2 absorbed by planting 6.5 tree seedlings and growing them for 10 years.

Sally said: “This is a really exciting development. It is also a boost to me personally. I don’t think of myself as an inventor but I’ve now got a certificate that says I am! Saving energy doesn’t need to be complicated!”