Simon Hart MP is on the lookout for a product made or designed in his constituency for inclusion in a prestigious manufacturing project.

Mr Hart has been invited by Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills to nominate a product that is designed or made in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire for inclusion in the "Made by Britain" map of UK manufacturing.

"This is a great opportunity to celebrate the skills we have down here in west Wales and I would encourage anyone who has any ideas for nominations to contact me," said Mr Hart.

The Made by Britain project aims to highlight the role of British manufacturing by raising awareness of the challenges faced by the industry and updating the image of manufacturing.

It is modelled on the Great Exhibition of 1851, and will showcase the best examples of British manufacturers in Parliament, in time for the Olympic Games next year.

Manufacturing represents 13 per cent of Britain's GDP and provides half of all UK exports, making it one of the few sectors to truly support the British economy.

Launching the scheme Mr Cable said: "With the Olympics bringing so much attention to Britain, this is a fantastic opportunity to show the rest of the world that we make world-beating products.

"British industry remains among the very best for the quality and originality of what it makes," he added. "We export goods to every corner of the world, from famous international brands to products which, while less well known, make a real difference to the lives of millions."

Items already nominated by other MPs include the Land Rover, custard cream biscuits, the Aga and even toilet rolls.

Mr Hart added: "I know that we have a number of industries producing interesting and vital tools and equipment but this competition doesn't have to be about the traditional image of manufacturing.

"This could be about a food product, a widget, something that makes life easier for people or a design for an innovative new product.

"I would love to hear about quirky or unusual products that have perhaps been designed on someone's front room in Pembrokeshire or Carmarthenshire and gone on to be put into mass production elsewhere.

"Even if you're not involved in the making of the product yourself but you're proud of something that is produced or designed down here then let me know what it is."