Falmouth-based engineer Shawn Brown and fellow inventor Ruth Amos, have launched a new YouTube channel where primary school kids can get their invention ideas built and tested on camera.

The pair started Kids Invent Stuff to show the exciting, innovative nature of engineering and to highlight that engineers don’t just build cars and fix washing machines - they solve creative problems every day.

Shawn was part of the team behind the Man Engine, the UK’s largest mechanical puppet, which toured Cornwall last summer drawing in crowds of thousands. “The Man Engine is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when inventors, engineers and the wider community come together," said Shawn. "With Kids Invent Stuff we’re giving kids the opportunity to get their own crazy contraptions built.”

Shawn and Ruth are going to be setting a new Invention Challenge each month and are looking for kids age five to 11 to submit their own ideas for inventions to build. For their first challenge they invited kids to send in their ideas for gadgets that can turn normal people in superheroes. The ideas they received included an ‘anything-firer,’ a superhero suit that fires custard and ‘Heart Girl,’ a superhero who fights crime by firing laser hearts out of her belly.

For their current challenge they’re looking for ideas for robots that can help solve kid’s problems around the home. If you know any inventive kids who might like to get involved you can find out more at kidsinventstuff.com.