Newsplan 2000 is a preservation and access initiative to preserve, onarchival-quality microfilm, local newspaper titles throughout the UnitedKingdom, which are in danger of decay and destruction.

Once microfilmed, the newspapers can be digitised for circulation via the internet benefiting every level of education.

For school pupils and students, the Project plugs directly into the National Curriculum and, through its website, will bring unique local material from throughout the UK direct to classrooms and learning centres.

Other beneficiaries include genealogists, local historians, academics, social researchers and students of life-long learning.

Dr Ann Matheson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Newsplan 2000Project, said: “The Project’s primary aim is to preserve one of the UK’spriceless historical assets – its local newspapers – and to ensure thatevery citizen can have better access to this important part of ourhistorical record”.

The project has received a Stage One pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund to preserve unique and fragile collections of local newspapers held in libraries throughout the UK.

The main aims of the Newsplan 2000 are to: