LICENSING agreements with Coca Cola and mobile phone firm Nokia are helping a County Durham digital imaging company to expand rapidly.

Since floating on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the Stock Exchange in December last year, Comeleon, at Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, has created 80 of 300 new jobs planned over the next three years

Comeleon made a better than anticipated pre-tax loss of £3.65m in its first year since floating on the AIM, much of which was associated with the costs of the flotation, which raised £9.4m.

That money has already been used to fund rapid growth, including opening new facilities in the UK and US. As a result, sales rose 24 per cent to £417,000.

Chairman of Comeleon, Jon Pither, said: "The rapid progress of the company during the past 12 months has provided a solid foundation for its next stages of growth and development.

"During our first full financial year we have performed well in establishing production capability and a strong position in the market place, both in Europe and the United States."

Since October 1, Comeleon has landed orders in excess of £500,000, 227 per cent ahead of its planned order intake at the time of flotation.

Mr Pither said: "Significantly, we have just received full Nokia approval for our new site in North Carolina, which was opened in August, and exchanged contracts for a licensing agreement with Coca Cola for the representation of its brand on mobile phones and computer peripherals in the US."