Here at The Mud Life we don’t believe that BBQ’s and outdoor eating are just summer activities, we enjoy them all year round, whatever the weather.

With the right tools, starting a BBQ is a doddle, and when I’m at home, part of my BBQ kit is a battered and worn chimney starter which always works a treat. When I’m out and about with my small Weber Smokey Joe or Aquaforno, it’s a different matter, the chimney rolls around the back of the Discovery covering everything with muck. So I set about finding something that’s easier to transport, cheap and equally reliable.

Say hello to ‘Fire’s Little Helper’ a unique product that's designed and made in the UK.  How it works couldn’t be more simple:

1. Remove a Helper from the packet.
2. Fold in the sides to make a box.
3.  Place 2 to 4 fire lighters on the BBQ.  Or alternatively, use some kitchen roll         soaked in olive oil, or cooking oil instead.
4. Place the box over the fire lighters.
5. Place charcoal on top the box.
6. Using a long match, light the fire lighters, or kitchen roll through one of the holes in the tray.
7. And once it's alight, leave for between 10 to 30 minutes until the fire is burning well, just as normal, it's simple as that!

Just like my old chimney starter, the 'Helper draws in enough air to start a fire first time, and continues to do so until it catches fire itself and completely burning away.

NOTE: The product works better when you cover it with coals, but to show how it works I used around 12.

Another benefit over the traditional chimney is that they arrive flat-packed so storage isn't a problem, especially if you're in a Series 1 Land Rover or Suzuki Jimny where space is a premium.

Website:  www.fireshelper.co.uk

Price:  £4.99 for a pack of 5