Last time he used a mop handle; this time it's a vacuum cleaner, but inventor Eddie Holden, pictured, is determined his latest light bulb exchanger will be a success.

So innovative is his latest device that BBC Tomorrow's World spin-off show, Best Inventions presented by Katy Hill, is showing a short video clip of Mr Holden's device on its Christmas special end-of-series show next Wednesday.

The Holden Highlights Bulb Exchanger works by attaching one of a number of suction cups on to the vacuum cleaner tube. The vacuum is switched on and the cup sucks the lightbulb which then can be lifted and inserted into the socket. The process is reversed to extract the bulb.

Pensioner Mr Holden, of Bell Dean Road, Allerton, Bradford, has made many different cups to allow any light bulb - from the 40w house bulb to the 600w industrial bulb - to be inserted.

"Many of these new flats and penthouses have ten or 15ft ceilings and the lights sit flush into the sockets so it is very hard to grab them," said Mr Holden, 62.

"This invention makes it possible to exchange bulbs up to 20ft from the ground without the use of steps. It would be handy for cleaners to use because they could change a few light bulbs in a matter of seconds."

Mr Holden, who has been inventing since he was 18, also has another, longer attachment using a funnel and a sponge which can insert 600w heavy industrial bulbs from higher ceilings.

"The days of lights on strings is over - the future is spotlights and downlighters," said Mr Holden, who is seeking financial backing for his prototype.

"My invention will save lives and prevent people injuring themselves."

A spokesman from the BBCs Best Inventions said: "On the Christmas show we are hoping to include as many inventions as we can and we thought Mr Holden's invention was a nice idea."

In November 2001, the T&A featured Mr Holden's suction-powered telescopic lightbulb changer which was less effective because it would not suck on to the lightbulb.

The Best Inventions show will be shown at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 18, on BBC1. Anyone who could offer Mr Holden backing should call (01274) 814786.