Man invents coin to save change

A Leicestershire man has come up with a novel way to get rid of loose change.

Mark Wilkinson has invented the 99p coin, saying it could help to solve a growing problem.

It mirrors an election pledge of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, which included a 99p coin "to save on change" in its manifesto.

Mr Wilkinson has contacted chancellor Gordon Brown and the Royal Mint asking them to adopt his new coin - or "the cornet" - as he calls it.

He said: "Hopefully it will solve a lot of problems with all these pennies."

Mr Wilkinson said people cannot buy a lot with a penny, but so many were given out in change.