A LIE detector company is hoping to expand into a national network.

Don Cargill set up the Preston Brook firm with his wife after training alongside FBI agents and policemen in Florida.

The 54-year-old from Appleton said his firm could be at the crest of a wave' if the tests are ruled admissible in UK courts in the future.

He completed the 10-week course at a cost of £4,000 through the International Academy of Polygraph.

He said there are only three other people in the UK with accredited qualifications.

The traditional image of lie detector tests is in criminal cases, but they are more often used for civil purposes like job screening and monitoring sex offenders.

The test works by measuring indicators like heart rate, blood pressure and sweat gland secretion.

The whole test, including pre and post test questioning, takes around three hours, and polygraphists are also trained to look for visual and verbal clues.

Don said the tests can be over 90 per cent accurate though most European countries do not admit the tests in court cases.

"People say you can cheat them but we are trained to spot counter measures," said Don.

He tested one policeman in America who broke down during the test and confessed to a theft of $10.

His new skills have also worked on less illustrious opposition. "I think the kids have stopped lying to me!" he said.