BOURNEMOUTH potty-training expert Amanda Jenner has been crowned the British Female Innovator of the Year as well as scooping International Invention of the Year for My Carry Potty.

The mum of three, who has celebrity customers, received the prestigious award at a lavish ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel attended by the King of Bahrain.

It followed an intense three-day judging process at London’s Barbican Centre.

The Global Women Inventors and Innovators network awards aim to recognise and promote the success stories of women in the UK.

Amanda, 40, said: “I am absolutely honoured to have won such prestigious award. It really does make all the hard work pay off and I’d urge anyone to enter.”

Amanda came up with the idea of My Carry Potty – the only portable, leakproof potty in the world – when on a shopping trip with her then toddler son 16 years ago.

Nine years ago she took her pencil designs to manufacturing and distribution companies, paying for the prototype herself.

Now, the innovative brand exports to 27 countries, with stockists including John Lewis, which Amanda tirelessly rang until they agreed to meet with her. The Bournemouth-based entrepreneur, who left school at 15 with no GCSEs, offers a very different approach to potty training children.

She added: “I believe potty training is about you and the toddler.

“Working with your toddler to be able to choose their potty and pants is something I feel very strongly about. This is an exciting venture and it should be made a fun one.

“Over the last 16 years I have tried and tested many different methods and also witnessed many too, and my key advice is start through a magical story and let the journey begin, using imagination and pictures.

“I am passionate about potty training and my purpose in life is to reduce the age of potty training and help parents worldwide to do this.”

Amanda travels the world implementing her potty training methods using her unique training techniques and her patented potty.

n BFIIN is recognised for women with an interest in copyright, trademarks, patents, intellectual property and new ideas.