The Newspaper Society has revealed it allocated a total of 317 passes to regional press reporters and photographers to cover royal events across the UK in 2004.

April was the busiest month of the year so far, with 63 passes allocated, followed by 54 in January and 52 in July.

Due to space restrictions and security, it is rarely possible for all interested media to cover a royal event so passes are allocated by the royal rota pool system which tries to ensure maximum media access to royal engagements across the country.

Representatives from each relevant media sector are offered the opportunity to cover an event, on the condition that they share all material obtained with other members of their sector.

The Newspaper Society is allocated a set number of passes for regional press journalists in the run-up to a royal visit which are issued to newspapers on the basis of applications forms.

Newspapers are selected according to penetration in the specific area of the visit and ability to meet the rota obligations. The Society also considers special circumstances which may connect a newspaper to a venue or organisation.

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