Barracuda Wind Up and Solar Powered Torch

In 1991, British inventor Trevor Baylis saw a television programme about the spread of AIDS in Africa and set about developing a clockwork radio as a means of helping to halt its spread, through better education. Traditional radio, although widespread, relied on mains electricity or disposable batteries - both of which were in short supply across the continent. In 1994 Baylis's prototype was featured on BBC's Tomorrow's World, following which the first wind up radio went into production.

It was soon realised that the potential for 'self-sufficient electronics' could go much further than radio and Africa, and Baylis's company, Freeplay, started selling across the world and in 2001 made their first wind up torch.

Since then new and improved technology has seen a change from spring mechanisms to a direct-charge generator, allowing the user to store all the energy needed, combined with the use of low energy bright LED bulbs. But the original premise remains true: no electricity or batteries required, which makes wind up torches better for the environment and also more convenient, as they never run out of power when you need them most, like during a powercut, or on holiday, or when you can't find your keys.

Many new manufacturers have come along and improved on the original designs. This one, the Powerplus Barracuda is an ultra bright wind up and solar powered LED torch which combines two renewable energy sources at the same time. Charge it up from the sun or use the dynamo handle to wind it up. It has 3 ultra bright LEDs which give a powerful light. Waterproof to 5 metres it's protected by tough rubber bumpers.