A TEES Valley firm has produced a small waterproof and shockproof computer which can be used on mountain tops or below sea level.

Such is the potential of the machine that Stockton firm CTEC has now attracted a significant investment from business investors UK Steel Enterprise. It could also be the launch pad for more jobs in the area.

Made up of both loan and equity funding, obtained through the small firms loan guarantee scheme, backed by the Department of Trade and Industry, and the North of England venture fund, the investment will help with the launch and further development work on new models, due later in the year.

It is the versatility of the computer, which can be taken into the most hostile of environments, which impressed Mr Simon Hamilton, investment executive with UKSE.

"The appeal of this machine is immense as it can really go anywhere from hot, dry and dusty environments to dirty, wet and even under water ones," he said.

"The company is already talking to a wide range of customers in the rail, oil and agriculture industries - but its unique selling points could take it out to sea, on board fire engines or into battle with the military.

"With such potential, we now have to make the most of the opportunity it offers to bring more wealth and job creation to the area."

Originally designed to allow farmers to take cattle control software out into the farmyard during the BSE crisis, the latest model is as powerful as a standard lap-top.

With a full colour screen, on-board mouse - using the latest technology to work even in wet weather - a "querty" keyboard and powerful processor, the computer comes encased in colourful rubber.

It sports a range of communications gadgets to allow it to talk easily to desk-top machines, printers, telephones and the internet.

It bristles with new ideas from military spec, waterproof connectors and virtually indestructible keys, to brilliant solutions for several major problems, not least how to keep the machine cool without any vents or fans.

According to Mr Mark Waters, managing director, the latest model has flown through field tests, clearing the way for its national and international launch.

"As well as exploring a huge range of options here in the UK, we are also promoting the product in 17 countries throughout the world, via the DTI," he said.

"If it is as successful as we think it will be, the result could be more than 80 new jobs in the next six months alone and that has to be good news for the North-East."

He said support from major players in the computer industry had been important: "Their support was really crucial, as was the input of many other organisations including the DTI, which helped fund development work through a selective regional assistance grant, and the Cleveland innovation centre, which came up with many good ideas on the design front.

"The result is not only that we have a highly marketable new product, but also that we are in pole position to introduce yet more innovations, including a computer adapted to life 100ft below the ocean waves.

"The possibilities really are endless and we might interest James Bond yet.