A COUNTY Durham plc has won two strategic contract - one of which will help it crack the Middle East market.

The Tanfield Group's specialist airport vehicle maker Norquip won an order for a bespoke lift to transport passengers with disabilities, or VIPs, from airport terminals to the plane in the Middle East.

And its 3D digital imaging business Comeleon secured a major licensing agreement with a manufacturer in Central America.

Together the deals are worth a total of about £500,000.