A SENIOR government minister visited Hampshire today to shed light on a high-tech programme to kick-start the county's economy.

Daily Echo: Communities Minister Stephen Williams MP (left) alongside Fianium CEO Anatoly Grudinin

Communities minister Stephen Williams met bosses and staff at Fianium Ltd in Hamble which developers an manufactures ultrafast lasers.

The company has been awarded £1.125 million from the Government's Regional Growth Fund towards its £4.2million project to expand its development of industrial lasers.

The Liberal Democrat MP witnessed a spectacular laser display while company directors told him how the scheme will safeguard 100 skilled jobs and boost their research and development into the rapidly growing sector.