MALVERN scientists are to play a key role in a bid by the West Midlands to host a new government-funded facility that will bring widespread benefits to the region.

The National Microsystems Centre will develop sensors no wider than a human hair for use in everything from airbags to food production.

Britain's regions are fighting to host the multi-million pound centre, which will bring with it jobs and prestige.

The West Midlands has made it on to the shortlist of five and several potential sites in the region have been identified. Although Malvern is not among them, the technical know-how of QinetiQ is vital to the bid.

"Microsystems is an area of technology in which the UK is fairly weak," said Michael Thompson, development strategist at government agency Advantage West Midlands.

"We've got the basic science and technology and we certainly have a lot of design expertise in terms of microsystems.

"However, many of the systems we use are imported from the USA, Japan and elsewhere.

"What this microsystems centre would do is help design, produce and build these things into the next generation of cars and fridges. It will make the design industry more competitive."

"The presence of QinetiQ is a major boost as far as this is concerned.

"We have expertise in microsystems right on our doorstep and they are thoroughly supportive."

Dr Vish Nayar, product manager for electronic technologies at QinetiQ, said he was convinced the firm's combination of "very strong technical knowledge, business know-how and international contacts" would help the West Midlands put together a strong bid.