FROM iTunes to eco-tunes. Trevor Baylis, the British inventor behind the clockwork radio, has created an environmentally friendly music player.

The Eco Media Player can hold up to 500 songs, doubles as a video player, radio, dictaphone, torch and phone charger - and is powered by hand. Baylis, 70, hopes the device, which sells for about £140, will match the success of his radio, which is now used by millions of people in Africa.

Baylis, who is in talks with BT about a wind-up mobile phone, said: “In an age when people are increasingly worried about climate change, it’s a way of reducing electricity use. I hope that this, along with the wind-up radio, will be my legacy.”

The battery can last for up to 20 hours and winding it for a minute produces enough charge for 40 minutes’ playback. The player can also be charged up by being connected to a PC.

Stephen Fry, the actor, is an early convert. He said: “I love this little thing. It is robust, clever without being pleased with itself, useful and appealing.”

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