'Brat Nav' keeps track of children in Britain

The Buddi - or "Brat Nav" as it is known - is no bigger than a matchbox. It uses GPS technology, a satellite-based navigation system, which enables parents to trace their children to within three metres anywhere in Britain. If they become worried - or just want to snoop - they log on to a website, and a detailed street map will show where their child is. The gadget, which can be attached to a belt, placed in a bag or worn around the neck, also allows parents to contact a call centre, which will give them their location. Sara Murray, 38, an Oxford-educated businesswoman from London, created the device after losing her young daughter in a supermarket and on a skiing holiday. "I was in a total panic when I lost my daughter and never wanted to go through that again," she said. "I couldn't believe there was nothing on the market which allowed parents to trace their children so I decided to look into it and the technology and I came up with the Buddi. "We live in difficult times and any service that can provide people with the confidence that they can be traced within seconds, or alert people in the case of emergencies, is something that I am sure will be seen as a benefit." The person given the device - a child or an elderly relative - can also use the gadget to alert friends or relatives in an emergency by pressing the panic button. This sends an alert to the emergency call centre, which informs parents, carers or friends, as well as local authorities and the police if necessary. Since it was launched a month ago - at a cost of £299 plus a £20 monthly subscription fee - more than 2,000 have been sold.