Security firm Rapiscan has developed a high-speed baggage screening system to be used as part of a £40 million deal with Manchester Airport.

The Surrey company, which has offices in Congleton, has created a Real Time Tomography (RTT) scanner to detect explosives in luggage.

Manchester Airport is the first to buy the scanning system, which was designed by the firm's Congleton-based experts.

Although it will initially be made in Surrey, manufacturing is likely to be transferred to the North West - including the Congleton site - and Rapiscan has already received interest from other companies around the world.

The RTT scanner uses computed axial tomography (CAT) scans of the type used in medicine to estimate the size of tumours and to plan treatment for cancer.

Previously, airports have used x-rays to scan baggage because CAT scans - although more effective - took too long.