BOLTON student Peter Tonge has come up with an invention which could bring music to the ears of hi-fi industry bosses.

The former Bolton School pupil has found a way of miniaturising speakers to a quarter of their size without losing the sound quality. And the 19-year-old has sold the patent to a middle-man who believes manufacturers will be interested in buying it.

Peter, formerly of Bryants Farm, Lostock, dreamed up the project for his A-level technology exam and the resulting product earned him a grade A.

The music lover, who is a former member of Bolton Youth Orchestra, said personal experience inspired his work.

He explained: "The problem is that modern houses do not have enough room for large speakers.

"But small speakers are never as good because you do not get such a good bass response.

"Some companies have come up with small speakers but they are having technical difficulties getting the right quality. My speakers produce the same sound quality as much larger ones."

Peter cannot reveal how he managed to produce quality sounds from speakers which measure just 6 inches by 12 inches.

Tests

However, his claims have been backed up by technical tests, he says.

The middle-man paid £5,000 for the licence which will be shared between Peter and Bolton School.

He is hoping the money spinner will not be his last invention and is currently studying electronic engineering at Imperial College, London.

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