A device designed to treat acne has met with great success during NHS trials, delighting the scientific team behind the project.

The NLite laser, pioneered at the University of Wales, Swansea, produced significant improvements among a group of volunteer patients.

This really is the first major advance in acne treatment in 30 years Dr Tony Chu, consultant dermatologist

A five-minute session with the NLite produced a 50% improvement among a number of the 41 people taking part.

Professor Tony Chu, who ran the trials at the London Hammersmith Hospital, said he was "stunned" that 10 of the patients were completely cured of acne.

The consultant dermatologist said he had gone from being a sceptic to a convert of such devices following the results.

"This really is the first major advance in acne treatment in 30 years."

The NLite is currently being used at 25 private clinics in the UK but the NHS trial is a significant step forward.

The study took place at Hammersmith Hospital

The Hammersmith Hospital had previously been involved in studying the use of UV light against acne, but found it was not appropriate for long-term treatment.

The NLite is set to become a success story for manufacturers ICN Photonics, based at Llanelli, south Wales, who are a subsidiary of a multi-national company.

Dr Chu said a facial treatment - costing �300 - worked by heating up small blood vessels to encourage natural collagen development.

The male and female volunteers taking part had all failed to respond to regular treatments.

Treatment course

Each received one treatment using the NLite and they were monitored for three months.

The results showed 81% had undergone a significant improvement and in 58% of tests, the acne present had been reduced by 50%.

Private clinics offer a course of treatment of up to three sessions.

The NLite has also been marketed in the United States for wrinkle treatment.