A young Oxford engineer is to visit Japan to help ensure that his company stays ahead in its field.

David Milne, 28, a senior engineer with Exitech, of Long Hanborough, which makes laser-based micro-machining systems, will spend a year with Marubun Corporation in Tokyo, a scientific and industrial equipment trading company.

He will make the trip with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry's International Technology Service.

David, of Stubble Close, Botley, will work with Marubun engineers studying present and future requirements for photo-lithography tools in the Japanese semiconductor industry.