RADIATION scanner manufacturer Kromek has won a five year contract worth £8.6m.

The firm, based at Sedgefield's Netpark technology centre, will provide bone density scanning detectors to detect osteoporosis.

It is one of the most significant deals that Kromek has won since it was set up in 2003 and will boost its drive to move into profit.

The firm is a world leader in hi tech scanners used by the nuclear industry, security screening and medical imaging.

Under the terms of the latest agreement, Kromek’s detector modules will be incorporated into the unnamed customer’s systems to produce accurate imaging to diagnose the strength and health of bones. The firm said the systems will allow medical professionals to accurately detect and monitor progression of osteoporosis in patients resulting in more effective treatment.

Arnab Basu, the chief executive of Kromek, said: "It is very pleasing to secure such a significant contract from a long-standing customer. It strengthens our relationship with them and further validates the benefits of our BMD (bone mineral density) diagnostic systems.

“The agreement represents the continued healthy conversion of our pipeline into orders as we continue to win new business in the medical sector and across our key target markets of SPECT, CT and networked radiation detectors."