A CULLINGWORTH woman and her long-time friend have developed a product for graduating students they hope will take the world of academia by storm.

Reaction to the Graduation Magnetar – a Yorkshire-made device to hold gowns and academic hoods in place during graduation ceremonies – was positive during trials at recent graduations at the universities of Bradford, Leeds and Huddersfield.

Inventors Mary Armitage, from Cullingworth, and Jacquie Smith, of Wibsey, are now in talks with a leading graduation gifts company, which operates internationally and has shown interest in taking up the product.

They launched their company – Cecile Biot – with the guidance of business mentor, Colin Holmes, after Mary’s daughter struggled to keep her own gown and hood in place during graduation.

Mary, a counsellor at Bingley Grammar School, said: “We thought there was scope to develop a product to prevent students worrying about their graduation clothes slipping.

"We have worked with two Yorkshire companies to develop the product, which uses magnets encased in recycled polymer along with interlocking teeth, which give a vice-like grip without damaging clothing.

“A young designer at a company in York developed the idea as his first commission based on our initial brief and deserves a great deal of credit if the magnetar takes off. Following initial trials at recent local graduation ceremonies, we are very excited about the prospects.”

The magnetar was worn by all academic staff on the platform at recent University of Bradford graduation ceremonies, and by honorary graduates.

More than 200 magnetars sold on the first day of Leeds University graduations.

Mary and driving instructor Jacquie, friends since the age of 11, are hoping the graduation gifts company – with 22 years' experience – will stock the product.

They have also met with jewellers Fattorini about developing personalised and branded magnetars for different universities and colleges.

Mary said: “The local universities have been supportive and we appreciate their taking a chance on a new product and a new company.

"We are now looking towards the winter graduation ceremonies and will initially focus on northern institutions, working with both the universities and student unions.

“Hopefully, we have an idea that will take off and we are determined that, as far as possible, the product will be made in this country.”