Fawley (29 February 2008) -- Medical researchers at the University of Southampton are 'smiling for the camera' thanks to funding by Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at the Fawley Refinery.

A digital camera, which will be used to aid human genetic research, was purchased following a donation of £250 to Wessex Medical Research, a charity which raises funds to support critical medical research projects.

The camera was received by Professor Karen Temple of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at the University of Southampton. She said: "The Human Genetics division was in need of a more up-to-date camera in order to assist with our studies on children born with inherited diseases. I am grateful to ExxonMobil and Wessex Medical Research for enabling us to obtain one."

Carol Bega of the refinery's Medicine and Occupational Health Department said: "It was very interesting to visit the University and understand more about the vital research work that is undertaken there and to hear how the camera is to be used."