Cumbrian company Carrs Billington has launched a new brand behind what it descries as a "game changing" product for women.

The firm - which is part of Carlisle-headquartered Carr's Group - is behind Simarghu, which has created a new range of harnesses for arborists, which have been tailored to suit both genders, something which it has said is unique.

These are being launched formally at the National Arbortorium in Gloucestershire today (Friday).

They were given a "soft" launch in Germany earlier this month and have already attracted attention from dealers across Europe and the company is now looking to sell in the USA, Australia and worldwide.

Philip Sharman, the product manager for Simarghu, said: “Based on extensive industry research and with the assistance of occupational therapists, we recognised that the increasing number of users working at height required a fresh approach by harness providers, we are also proud to be at the forefront of this movement with the introduction of the all new Gemini arborist harness which offers a better level of support and comfort to women.”

"The game changing element is the female harness, it is the first to be manufactured," he added.

"It is at the top of its game."

The company has patent pending on the harness and Mr Sharman is extremely pleased that a product which has been designed in Cumbria and manufactured in the UK is attracting so much attention in a global industry.

Simarghu is named after a dragon from the mythology of several countries which protected the tree of life and produced seeds for all other plants.

The products - which are called Fire and Gemini for men and women respectively - have both been designed with Craig Johnson, who has more than 35 years of experience working with trees as well as supplying equipment, instructing, and sitting on numerous national and international industry committees.

He said: “It became clear that there was a market for practical, well designed equipment that fits the user properly,” says Craig.

“As we went through the development process, it became obvious that the design features were combining to make the fire and gemini harnesses game changers.”

The harnesses can be adjusted to fit the user and both offer higher than normal levels of this.

Both also feature a fully adjustable 'one-size-fits-all' chest yoke, which clips directly on to the base harness while people are wearing them.