AIRPORTS and airlines have turned to a Darwen company in their bid to step up security following the terrorist attack on New York's World Trade Centre.

The human barcode system, is in the final stages of development by Navigator Solutions Ltd (NSL), based in Duckworth Street, Darwen.

The idea is based around a bar code containing personal details, including fingerprint and photograph, which could be included on staff badges, pass cards or even flight tickets.

The company has said the technology is capable of being added to passports and would increase security at check-in desks as well as for aircraft employees.

The company has had inquiries from airports and airlines across the globe in the wake of the September 11 tragedy as flight security is stepped up worldwide. NSL has already enjoyed success with its Fingertech Nav 500 system, developed after a £75,000 goverment grant.

The device, which uses fingerprint recognition technology, unlocks doors in 200 milliseconds by scanning a fingerprint and can store 1,400 users. It has been a big hit with companies wanting controlled access to their premises, to replace swipecard and other systems.

NSL was set up three years ago by Chris Marsden and Mark Underwood who have spent two years developing the hi-tech security device, thanks to the funding from the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Smart programme, aimed at encouraging innovations from small companies.

Mr Marsden said the company, which has just shipped its first batch of orders of the Nav 500, was in the middle of its second production run and had plans to expand and move to bigger premises.

"We have got units installed in the UK and one in a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, and they are working superbly. That's a good feeling, knowing that the product is reliable," he said.

Talks were still going ahead for the company to provide the system for the Pope's visit to Canada for the Roman Catholic World Youth Day this year.

Another East Lancashire company to benefit from a DTI Smart grant is Quantum Air Technology Ltd, Rawtenstall, which received £45,000 for a feasibility study into a portable compliant isolator for hospitals.

The product would provide a sterile unit for treatments to be made up as needed on the ward when the hospital pharmacy is closed, by staff wearing sterile gloves.

Currently, treatments which should be prepared in sterile conditions are often made up on the ward in uncontrolled conditions outside pharmacy hours.

The company was started two years ago by Graham Miles, Ray Dawson and Ryan Chesworth. Mr Miles said response to a recent survey of up to 100 hospitals had been encouraging.

"We believe the demands would be several units for every single hospital in the UK," he said.

The company, which also makes bio chemical defence products, was aiming to have the isolator on the market in four months, he added.