Three Sussex companies have won Government money to develop new products.

In Wood Development, based in Hartfield, has won a £25,875 Smart Award from the Department of Trade and Industry for a feasibility study into using chestnut wood to construct joints.

The pioneering project involves the use of coppiced sweet chestnut for high specification timber construction and joinery applications.

In addition, the company will be using accelerated weather techniques to prove the durability of the timber, prior to seeking funding for a factory.

In Wood spokesman Edward Stenhouse said: "The study is proceeding well and success will create employment and bring benefits to woodland owners, the landscape, bio- diversity and the environment."

In Wood Developments was formed a year ago to manage the construction of a high-tech innovative timber office building, which is nearing completion. Since then, the company has been advising on timber frame construction and design, and the utilisation of locally sourced timber.

A £150,000 Smart Award has gone to SEOS Displays of Burgess Hill for a project named Titan. It offers a new approach to a simulation and visualisation display system.

SEOS is a leading independent supplier of visual display systems for training and research applications for simulation and virtual reality. Applications include pilot training, driver training for cars, trucks, trains, buses, ships, air traffic control, space shuttles and education.

Research and development manager David Lewis said: "This award will allow SEOS to approach in parallel, all levels of identified risks."

A project to develop a new range of generators has won a Smart Award of £45,000 for Hailsham firm Gearing & Watson Electronics.

The aim of the project is to investigate the use of ceramics for operation at high temperatures.

Managing director Stephen Potts said: "This award will give us the means to advance our computer modelling capabilities and to produce a world-leading product.

"We already have a strong reputation for building high-quality, reliable products but this award will help us to expand our technology base significantly."

Gearing and Watson was formed 27 years ago and exports more than 60 per cent of its production.