  In the work presented here we built and evaluated a single-channel neutron
detection unit consisting of a ZnS:$^6$LiF scintillator with embedded WLS
fibers readout by a SiPM. The unit has a sensitive volume of 2.4 x 2.8 x 50
mm$^3$; 12 WLS fibers of diameter 0.25 mm are uniformly distributed over this
volume and are coupled to a 1 x 1 mm$^2$ active area SiPM. We report the
following performance parameters: neutron detection efficiency $\sim 65\,$% at
$1.2\,\AA$, background count rate $< 10^{-3}$ Hz, gamma-sensitivity with
$^{60}$Co source $< 10^{-6}$, dead time $\sim 20\,\mu$s, multi-count ratio $<
1\,$%. All these parameters were achieved up to the SiPM dark count rate of
$\sim 2\,$MHz.
  We consider such detection unit as an elementary building block for
realization of one-dimensional multichannel detectors for applications in the
neutron scattering experimental technique. The dimensions of the unit and the
number of embedded fibers can be varied to meet the specific application
requirements. The upper limit of $\sim 2\,$MHz on the SiPM dark count rate
allows to use SiPMs with larger active areas if required.
