People who are easily irritated by rustling crisp packets can look forward to a more peaceful future - thanks to a Bradford company.

Seabrook, which makes crinkle-cut crisps, is working with scientists to develop rustle-free bags, designed to be used in TV shows to cut unwanted noise on set.

And the packets could be rolled out if they are a success on Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

Seabrook's crisps are in regular stock behind the bars at fictional soap pubs such as The Rovers, The Woolpack and The Dog.

The revolutionary packets would allow acting extras to enjoy their crisps off-camera without making the sound crews' jobs a nightmare.

A degradable plastic formula which is a blend of light-grade polypropylene compound is being developed to create the silent bags, similar in texture and weight to plastic sandwich/freezer bags, and is the same material used to make US military uniforms waterproof.

The bags will look exactly the same as ordinary ones when they appear on TV.

Carly Stenson, who plays Steph Dean in Hollyoaks, said: "Thank goodness, now we can gorge ourselves on Seabrook's crisps whenever we're in The Dog without getting a good roasting from the sound men."

A Seabrook's spokesman for the firm said: "It is in the very early stages of development.

"We are in talks with a number of manufacturers, and have received tremendous support from the soaps.

"If it is successful, this will open opportunities up for Seabrook to venture into different markets such as cinemas and the theatre."

Boe Mason, boom operator on Emmerdale, said: "This is a grand idea. It's really annoying for us when the extras rustle bags off-camera.

"But we can't blame them really. Who wouldn't want to sit around in the Woolpack and enjoy free crisps?"

Seabrook, which places a high emphasis on innovation, has cooked its crisps in sunflower oil for more than 25 years.

As since January, its entire range has been clean label' - MSG free, GM free and, depending on flavour, suitable for vegetarians.