What the papers say? Stockport Express

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MAPMATES Ian and Maureen Revill are putting Stockport firmly on the map with their latest invention.

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The couple, who set up Mapmates in Cheadle Hulme have invented a map reading accessory that is attracting a wide range of interest from countryside lovers and enthusiasts from all over Britain.

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The product, called a 'map gridfinder' is made out of a polycarbonate sheet, produced by Reddish printing company Shades, that can be placed over the top of a map to allow for easier map reading.

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The idea for the Map Gridfinder came from Ian, who being a former scout has always had a passion for the great outdoors.

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Ian, 52, said: "The overlay simplifies the use of six figure grid references for map reading, navigation and route planning.

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"It gives an accuracy of 100 metres with scales for all popular walking maps. They can also be used for car treasure hunts, measuring hectares and a teaching resource.

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"This is a new business which has grown from a hobby and a love of the outdoors. Trying to develop a new business and market a product, having no previous experience has been quite a challenge.

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"The map gridfinder can be used as a teaching resource in GCSE education, something that has huge potential but getting into the education market has been harder than I anticipated."

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Ian recently held a meeting with a representative from the Peak District National Park study centre who is interested in investing in the map gridfinder.

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He was particularly interested in using the map gridfinder for map reading classes at the base.