A GERMAN scientist has just the tonic to help banish smoky fumes and nasty odours from pubs throughout Worcestershire.

Hans Willi Babka has already transformed the look of The Fleece pub in Bretforton, near Evesham, with the invention of Claypaint.

The 59-year-old's environmentally-friendly formula combines clay suspended in a liquid form, which means properties can be given a centuries-old look within hours.

The idea has proved a real success in both homes and pubs across his native Germany and, after combining forces with Earthborn Paints, retail outlets throughout Britain are stocking this natural product.

"I've been working with paints and coming up with new ideas for more than 25 years and I think I'm most proud of this invention," said Herr Babka.

"It reduces odours and smells and makes rooms more "breathable", because it absorbs pollutants and stabilises humidity levels."

Nigel Smith, landlord of The Fleece, which has been a National Trust property since 1977, said many customers and visitors to his 400-year-old pub has been impressed with the pub's changes.

"The coloured clay walls definitely create a friendly welcoming pub and it's definitely made the pub less smoky."

Despite his latest invention, Herr Babka, who creates "green" inventions for his own company Holzweg, based near Cologne, is not resting on his laurels.

He is being funded by the German government to create a natural paint, which would be capable of turning formaldehyde into water and carbon dioxide.

Formaldehyde is found in woods and preservatives and can cause nausea and rashes to people exposed to it at high levels.