A former metal worker says he is “pleased and proud” of his invention which could be manufactured worldwide after being selected for an international trade festival.

Josh Perkins, of Oatlands Road, Enfield, has patented his own barbecue, which has a lever allowing the grill to be moved up and down away from the fire, depending on what it being cooked.

He will be taking his creation to the Glee exhibition at NEC Birmingham between September 12 and 14, where he will hope to impress worldwide manufacturers and producers into taking a chance on his invention.

The 60-year-old said: “Hopefully they will find merit in it and decide to sell it, I would like an English manufacturer so that it can create jobs and work in this country.

“We are preparing already, making a video to sell it. If nothing else, it is a good chance to show off Enfield creativity.”

Mr Perkins, an engineer, has plenty of designing experience, having worked in design for a metalwork company from the age of 16, designing parts and machinery

Mr Perkins said he was inspired to make the barbecue after seeing people in Africa having to bend over to cook on fires on the ground, and wanted to come up with a cheap solution easier on the body.

He also claims it is ozone friendly, standing out from gas barbecues, and comes with an attachable umbrella to allow cooking in all weathers.

Certainly, Mr Perkins has put plenty of effort into the barbecue – not to mention £12,000 of his own money.

He said: “How would you feel after spending all that? But I am 100 per cent confident in it, I am pleased and proud.

“Everyone has one idea in them, it is about making it happen.”