We have all been there. Balancing precariously on a ladder or chair trying to change a light bulb.

But that could soon be a thing of the past - thanks to a Bradford inventor.

Pensioner Eddie Holden, pictured, is to patent his new design, which works on a telescopic pole with a suction pad on the end.

Mr Holden has already profited from another of his inventions, which prevented starlings roosting on buildings and defacing them with droppings.

He also featured in the Telegraph & Argus when he invented a gizmo which stopped squirrels reaching seeds and nuts placed on garden bird tables.

But he reckons the light bulb extractor is his best idea yet and believes it has worldwide appeal.

"My bulb extractors work with normal bulbs, or bayonet-type bulbs," said Mr Holden, as he demonstrated the invention publicly for the first time to the T&A.

"You sit the lightbulb on the suction pad and a secret mechanism inside the pole allows the pad to grip the lightbulb so you can simply point it at the light fitting and push it in without having to stand on chairs or ladders."

Roger Vincent, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said Mr Holden's invention had huge potential in reducing household accidents which account for more than one million people visiting hospital each year.

"We are interested in hearing about any new device that might save people having to climb on to chairs or ladders unnecessarily, particularly the elderly for whom a fall is extremely serious and can lead to a long time in hospital," he said.

"Obviously anything involving electricity has to be tested first to make sure it is 100 per cent safe, but if it were successful we would welcome its help in putting an end to the misery and pain caused to people who are the victims of falls in the home."

Mr Holden, 61, of Bell Dean Road in Allerton, has made prototypes using a mop handle and suction pads. The telescopic poles can reach as far as 10ft in the air.

"If a company decided to take them on as a saleable product, I would modify them and tidy them up with a proper cover on," he said. "You see these casinos in places like Las Vegas which have thousands of lightbulbs which must forever need changing.

"With the extractor, you wouldn't have to move bits of furniture around to get to them, just stand underneath, suck and pull."

His inspiration came from visiting restaurants.

"I knew there must be an easier way to get the bulbs out and worked on the idea of suctioning them from the ceiling without revolving the suction pad," said Mr Holden, who has been inventing since the age of 18.

"Personally, I think this is my best invention yet."

He is now seeking sponsorship from any companies which could help him market the product. He can be contacted on (01274) 814786.