A UNIVERSITY student could have hit the jackpot after designing a shopping basket that is kinder on shoppers' bodies.

Rawtenstall lad Chris Johnson, 21, will graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University this year, with a degree in design and technology for industry.

As part of his course, he has created an 'ergonomic' basket, designed to make shopping easier, particularly for pensioners.

And now he is set to meet with Asda bosses to discuss whether the store can use his design.

The moulded plastic basket is kidney shaped and rests against the body, supported on the hip and with a shoulder strap.

Chris worked with Manchester Metropolitan physiologist Dr Neil Reeves on the biomechanical aspects, including the optimum span for handles.

Chris said: "Supermarket baskets are as basic now as they were 20 years ago "This is easier to carry, has comfortable handles, is far more stylish and also incorporates an anti-theft device."

Chris presented the new basket to the management team at Crewe Asda, who were very impressed with the concept.

A spokeperson for Asda said: "Colleagues at Asda Crewe were really impressed with the thought that had gone into Chris' shopping basket design.

"He was really thinking about the customer every step of the way."

She said that the Crewe store would be getting in touch with Chris to give him a contact at Asda HQ which looks after basket and trolley design to discuss it further.