A SUN cream applicator invention launched by two mums last year, which has taken two mums out of the home and into the office, will now be stocked by in a store chain.

Solar Buddies, the child friendly, mess-free sunscreen applicator invented by Cwmbran mums Kelli Aspland and Laura Griffin will be stocked in JoJo Maman Bébé stores in the spring.

JoJo Maman Bébé, which has its headquarters in Newport, is the first major high street retailer to stock Solar Buddies.

The pair, who between them have seven children, devised the Solar Buddies after expressing concerns about how their children were protecting themselves against the sun during school hours. They also knew that some schools had 'no touch' policies and wanted to come up with a solution to allow children to apply sunscreen independently.

The mums are delighted that a Welsh retailer is the first to stock the buddies.

Mrs Aspland explained: “We are thrilled that JoJo is going to be part of our story.”

Mrs Griffin added: “This is our first opportunity to get the Solar Buddies on to a bigger buying platform, and we are really pleased that it is a Welsh retailer which has stores all over the UK and online.

“We can’t wait to see them in the shops and see people using them in the summer.”

Laura Tenison MBE, the managing director of JoJo Maman Bébé said: “Our buying team are always on the lookout for new and innovative products to make parenting a little bit easier, Solar Buddies does just that.”

Solar Buddies has also had the backing of a Welsh entrepreneur, as the former CEO and founder of Gocompare.com, Hayley Parsons OBE, has invested in the company and is mentoring the mums.

She said that it was their enthusiasm that made the decision to invest in Solar Buddies very easy.

She said: “When I met Kelli and Laura, not only did I love the product, but I also loved the girls and their ambition and drive to spread the sun safe message.

“My boys love using their Solar Buddies and I no longer have to pester them to apply sunscreen when we’re on holiday, which is great.”

The mums had the idea in March 2012 and began doing research for their invention. By January 2015 this year, the pair had made their first prototype by last January and just over six months later it went on sale online.

They had 5,000 buddies made and during the hot period in July they were flooded with orders.

Mrs Griffin said: “Up until then we had sold a few hundred but suddenly we had loads of orders so it was really exciting.”

Despite it being winter, the orders continue with requests from Australia and those enjoying winter sun holidays.

The mums moved to an office in April and say running their own company suits their busy schedule of running a family home.

Mrs Aspland explained: “It is busy, but we can come into the office when the children are at school, go home make their food, and then carryon at home in the evenings if we need too.

“We really enjoy it and we never tire of reading people’s messages that they leave us online.”

People have also bought the product suggested a range of uses for the product including for applying moisturiser, shaving gel and fake tan.

The pair now want to hit the global market and will continue developing their business.

For more information Visit www.solarbuddies.co.uk