Innovation award for city company

The award was presented at a ceremony in London on 11 October

A Bristol University-based company which uses microwaves to detect breast cancer has won an Innovation in Engineering award.

Micrima won the electronics award for equipment which is said to be more effective than X-rays to detect potentially lethal breast tumours.

The technology was originally developed by the Ministry of Defence for detecting landmines.

Judges said it was cost-effective and minimised traumatic false alarms.

Using microwaves to detect the tumours results in less discomfort for the patient and also means they avoid potentially harmful X-rays.

The award was given by the Institution of Engineering and Technology at a ceremony in Savoy Place, London on 11 October.