A COUNTY Durham scanner firm has moved closer to thwarting the activities of terrorists in the US.

The US Department for Defense says it intends to appoint Sedgefield-based Kromek as its sole supplier for personal radiation detectors.

The deal is being overseen by the department’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The programme with DARPA began in August last year, and is focused on developing an advanced detection system for gamma and neutron radiation, which experts say will foil rebels.

Officials say DARPA’S notice of intent means Kromek can take its work to the commercial stage.

Dr Arnab Basu, Kromek chief executive, said its DARPA tie-up was further evidence of the growth of the company, which started as a spin-out from Durham University’s physics department in 2003.

He added: “That we were selected by an agency of the US government provides validation of our technological strength and capabilities, and demonstrates our leading position in global markets.

“We look forward to achieving further milestones in this project and, ultimately, enabling safer environments for all.”

Kromek is best known for pioneering an airport scanner that can identify liquids in bottles, including explosives, alcohol and narcotics, without opening them, in less than 20 seconds.

It also previously raised £15m from a flotation on the AIM stock exchange.