A REVOLUTIONARY toy car system, launched by a Worcestershire firm, looks set to hit top gear within the children's educational market.

Wondawheelz.com, based in Tenbury Wells, is the dream of inventor Hugo Lywood, in his quest to find and create the ultimate boy's toy.

The company, which has three staff, is thriving and has already placed £100,000 worth of orders with companies in the West Midlands. He expects to place a further £400,000 worth during the next 12 to 18 months.

The 33-year-old's concept is based around supplying a battery-powered motor vehicle kit, which is then distributed through regional retailers. The basic chassis can then be modified and upgraded via the internet with further upgrade kits and information available on line.

This, among other things can convert cars to 4-wheel drive or provide them with high-speed replacement motors.

Various body designs, from tanks to hot-rods, can be freely downloaded in template form, to create up to 25,000 different vehicle configurations.

These can then be printed directly from the computer hard drive and straight onto cardboard, which then forms the template for the bodywork.

"It's designed to be inexpensive, educational fun, which is collectable and will appeal to children from six to 12-years-old," said Mr Lywood.

"The aim is to offer children the real educational merits of having hands-on experience with mechanics, electronics and the whole construction process."

To promote the project further, the company has launched a national competition with the nation's 750,000 Scouts, Beavers and Cubs through help from the Manufacturing Advisory Service- West Midlands (MAS-WM).

An £800 prize is available to the person who can design the ultimate Scout vehicle bodywork.

Mr Lywood now has more than 100 toys and inventions to his name, including everything from huge solar powered airships to aggressive plant-growing kits and bubble blowing machines.

He has become so passionate about his latest project he has even got a full five litre, fire breathing Model T Ford hot-rod to match his mini masterpieces.