Revolutionary technology that lets parents see high-resolution images of their unborn child has won a major award for a Paisley academic.

The new ultrasound system, developed by Dr Dave Hughes, produces images that are a major improvement on the standard black-and-white pictures normally shown to expectant mums and dads.

The development, described as hugely important in the field of ultrasound scanning, has won widespread acclaim for the doctor, who is a research fellow at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

In recognition of his work, he was presented with the prestigious Converge Challenge Awards 2017 by First Minister Nicola Surgeon at a ceremony at the Glasgow Science Centre.

The technology, called Novosound, is set to revolutionise the ultrasound industry by developing systems that capture images at the quality of MRI, but without the cost.

The sensors, systems and software allow for low-cost, high-resolution imaging for the medical, dental, industrial and veterinary markets.

Dr Hughes told The Gazette: “It’s amazing for Novosound to be awarded this prize and the prestige that comes with it. It boosts the profile of not only the company but the university as a whole.”

Professor Craig Mahoney, principal and vice-chancellor of UWS, said the university was rightly proud of Dr Hughes.

He added: “This is a fantastic achievement.”

The first prize in the Converge Challenge, valued at £78,000, includes £50,000 in cash and £28,000 worth of business support.

In addition to Dr Hughes, Professor Des Gibson, founder and director of the Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging at UWS, was shortlisted for the Converge Challenge with SpectralSense, a supplier of infrared sensors.