A REVOLUTIONARY piece of sports training equipment, designed by a Herefordshire firm, is going global - with help from government group UK Trade & Investment.

Managing director and company founder Dr Mark Bellamy has signed a deal worth about £40,000 with Performance Technology's UK distributors to sell 6,000 Powerbags across Europe.

Following help from UK Trade & Investment, the company is also exporting to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Japan.

The Powerbag is the main product of the Mordiford firm, which delivers products and consultancy services to enhance performance, mostly in the field of sport and exercise.

The equipment is a soft, portable, high-density bag with a plastic, foam-filled outer shell, which weighs from 3kg to 50kg.

The company says it provides a complete workout and can be used in any training environment by people of all ages, including people with disabilities.

It is now part of the standard kit used by high level sports teams, such as the England national cricket, rugby, hockey, squash, tennis, athletics and judo teams and most of the England Premiership football clubs.

International users include the All Blacks, the Springboks and the Australian rugby team.

The Powerbag is also used by the British armed forces.

Dr Bellamy said: "Using the Powerbag is the equivalent of taking your gym with you.

"I was sure there was huge international potential for this product but needed help to go in the right direction.

"UK Trade & Investment helped with researching new markets, showed me how to go about setting up an agreement, and advised me on all the aspects of selling to different countries.

UK Trade & Investment's services in Herefordshire are delivered through Business Link West Mercia.