A COMPANY from the region has been lending a hand to the development of a crew of space-travelling robots.

Staff at Peratech, of Darlington, worked with the North American Space Agency (Nasa) to help create the robots.

The company developed touch-sensitive hands to allow the robots to carry out sensitive work.

Peratech used an award-winning chemical it developed last year to create the hands.

The development saw the company collect a national Spirit of Innovation award last year, in the small business category.

As well as the Nasa contract, the company has been working with a technical textile firm to develop touch-sensitive clothing.

Peratech chief executive David Lussey said: "The Nasa contract was a fascinating project to be involved with.