What started out as giving up his farming career for a nine-to-five job has turned into a four year business project which would rival many business ideas seen on television's Dragon's Den.

What started out as giving up his farming career for a nine-to-five job has turned into a four year business project which would rival many business ideas seen on television's Dragon's Den.

Ben Brewer has no ambition to go on the BBC's programme but says he could have retired if he had a pound for every time people have said he should, with his new ball game Catchback.

If the response he has had from people so far is anything to go by, it will be the piece of play equipment to have this summer.

Catchback is a ball throwing game using a curved piece of polyethylene. It can be used by one person or teams and test and improves throwing and catching skills as well as being a great cardiovascular workout, says its Brinton-based maker Mr Brewer.

Originally devised as a makeshift game using a piece of plywood to keep his two sons entertained, it has taken him four years, whilst also working as an asbestos surveyor, to get it designed, patented and sourced for manufacture.

He gave up his job in October and a consignment of Catchbacks are now on their way from makers in China and will be going on sale by the end of the month.

“And then the proof of the pudding will be in the eating,” he said.

“I had to stop demonstrating it because people were saying they wanted one but I have had to keep saying sorry, I have not had the stock in yet,” he said.

He has already had interest from people wanting them for their children, special needs groups, schools and cricket clubs.

It costs £64.99 from Mr Brewer on 0845 4102660. Or go to his website, www.catchback.co.uk.