That’s a brolly good idea, Richard

AT last — an umbrella that can withstand strong winds.

Designers have spent nearly 500 years struggling to create the ultimate lightweight yet sturdy folding umbrella. Now Richard Lawson, 23, a design graduate from Birmingham, has unveiled a spokeless brolly which he claims will not fall apart in bad weather.

The umbrella is made from spring steel loops and folds into a tiny disc that fits into the palm of your hand.