YOUNG inventor Max Hamer was so baffled by his baby cousin's babbling that he decided to design an interpreter.

And the nine-year-old, from Foxup, has now won the Yorkshire heat of the 2007 Tesco Computers for Schools GadgIT Awards.

Thousands of youngsters took part in the challenge, which asked pupils of all ages to look into the future and conjure up amazing technological creations.

But it was Max's design of a baby language interpreter which impressed the judges.

He explained: "It works by speaking into a microphone and the machine then translates the gaa gaa goo goos' into adult language.

"It looks like a radio, but with a microphone sticking out of the top.

"I got my inspiration because I have a baby cousin and I don't understand what she says."

The competition ties in with the 16th year of Tesco's Computers for Schools scheme and Max's prize is 500 vouchers for his school, Threshfield Primary.

He now goes through to the regional heats of the competition, where he could win a digital camera and an internet- ready PC for the school.

The 11 regional winners will also be invited to join the "Tesco Tech Team" - a group of schoolchildren recruited to help shape the future of the scheme.

Debra Stones, of Tesco, said: "The 2007 GadgIT Awards have really sparked kids' imagination and inspired them to come up with some fantastic entries. Tesco is proud to encourage and nurture kids' creativity - and Max's entry is certainly one of this year's highlights."