A Leek chemical plant which makes vital components used in Covid-19 vaccines has been awarded £15.9m by the Government.

Croda Chemicals, which is located on Barnfield Road, will use the money to increase its production capacity, and will also be putting an additional £15.9m into the project themselves.

The plant produces lipids, which are used in several Covid vaccines, and the new project will allow the business to produce enough lipids for around three billion doses of the vaccine.

Commenting, Daniele Piergentili, President of Croda Life Sciences, said: "We are grateful to the UK Government for its support for this important project. It shares our belief that lipid systems offer significant potential for the safe and efficient delivery of next generation vaccines and therapeutic drugs.

"This investment will meaningfully enhance our lipid system capability and manufacturing capacity, ensuring that Croda plays a central role in both the development and future supply of this important delivery technology."

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng said: "The development of mRNA technology for use in vaccines and essential treatments has been one of the greatest scientific leaps forward since the start of the pandemic, and the potential for its use in future therapies – potentially treating cancer and heart disease – is remarkable.

"I am therefore extremely pleased to announce this support for Croda, a market leader in the manufacture of essential mRNA components, and the only manufacturer of lipids currently operating in the UK."