A UNIQUE world leading facility at Daresbury Laboratory is a step closer thanks to a £2million Government grant.

The money will help to build and test the world's first prototype particle accelerator.

The new 4GLS produces very short pulses of light allowing researchers to study molecules working in real time and follow chemical reactions as they happen.

Lord Sainsbury, science minister, said: "The prototype phase of 4GLS is an important step towards placing Daresbury at the cutting edge of accelerator science.

"Its potential capability is unique in the world and its capacity to combine a wide range of experiments would establish the UK and Daresbury as a major player in this technology.

"It also demonstrates our commitment to the wider development of the Daresbury site."

Steven Broomhead, Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) chief executive, added: "The north west is at the forefront of 4GLS development both nationally and internationally, and the agency is pleased to welcome this additional funding.

"This will be vital in progressing plans to make Daresbury International Science and Technology Park home to this cutting-edge, unique facility."