ENGINEER Mark Heath has invented a remote-control device to enable a disabled man to fly model aircraft.

Mark, aged 36, of Leek, has adapted a joystick controller so that it can be used by Bob Finch to pursue his hobby.

Bob, aged 56, lost his right arm after a motorbike accident at the age of 18. He got interested in flying model aircraft after visiting a flying club near his home.

It is not the first time that Mark has come up with inventions to help people with disabilities.

In 2006, he created models of cars or boats which could be controlled without the need for a traditional joystick.

And then 12 months later, he designed a motion-controlled baseball cap — called Dream Gamer — which allows disabled users to enjoy computer games.

Bob tracked down Mark after an internet search for someone who could help him continue with his hobby.

He came across the Excitim Company, which produces switches and products designed to let disabled youngsters use their body movements to control certain toys and games.

Mark, of Rownall View, in Leek, had already produced the two controllers in conjunction with Excitim.

Bob said: "I used to go up and watch the model aircraft and then I bought a plane which the members used to fly for me.

"I then decided to research if there was anyone out there who could help me fly the planes by myself."

Mike Taylor, of Excitim, put Bob in touch with Mark to see if he could help.

After a few months designing and engineering the remote control device in his spare time, Bob and his wife Sharon visited Leek to test out the new control.

He tried out his Tiger Trainer plane on one of the fields at St Edward's Junior High, which is just behind Mark's home.

Although Bob has not yet got a licence to fly his model aircraft, he did manage to test the remote device with the aircraft on the ground.

He said: "It's a great help for me. I now need to learn how to fly these planes before I can test it out fully."

Bob explained that the device can be linked to a 'trainer device', which is used for all those learning how to operate such crafts.

Mark, who works full-time at Zenics Medical in Leek, said: "It has been an interesting request. I am one hundred per cent pleased with it.

"It's really nice to give satisfaction to the person who has requested a device to help them."

Mike, of Market Drayton, said that Excitim would now be looking into the possibility of manufacturing the product.

He added: "We would also like to look into producing a similar device for model cars with Bob's help."

Bob's wife Sharon thanked both Mark and Mike for their help.

She said: "If Bob hadn't found these two, then he would never have been able to continue with his hobby."