By Georgina Littlejohn
An X-RAY machine which makes "naked" images of passengers was introduced at an airport today to help staff spot hidden weapons or explosives.
The full body scanner, on trial at Manchester airport, will also show breast enlargements, false limbs, pierchings, and a clear outline of private parts.
Bosses admitted some travellers mightnot want to be scanned because of the graphic nature of the images and they can refuse to undergo the virtual strip-search at Terminal 2, opting for the traditional "pat down" search instead.
But the image will only be seen by one officer in a remote location before it is deleted. Sarah Barrett, head of customer experience at the airport, said: "Most customers find the "pat down" search too intrusive. The images are not erotic or pornographic and can't be stored."
The scanners, which cost £80,000 each and are made by the firm Rapiscan Systems were also tested at Heathrow airport in 2004.
They make the check-in process much quicker as passengers do not have to remove their coats, shoes or belts. The Department for Transport will decide whether to install them permanently at the end of this year-long trial.
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