A COMPANY from the North-East has won sole distribution rights for a compression stocking said to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis on long haul flights.

Peacocks Medical, of Newcastle, will sell the Mediven Travel products in the city and in Middlesbrough.

A study published in The Lancet said the garments significantly reduced passengers' chances of developing the potentially-fatal problem.

Peacocks' head of retail, Chris Peacock, said: "This is a real coup for Peacocks. Mediven Travel compression stockings have been proven in one of the most comprehensive surveys of its kind to reduce the risk of developing a blood clot during a long distance flight."