A regional newspaper group’s new £9.5m printing press was given the Royal seal of approval yesterday as the Earl of Wessex marked its opening.

Prince Edward flicked the switch on Cambridge Newspapers’ new plant at Milton to set the presses rolling on a special edition of the Cambridge News featuring his visit.

His Royal Highness arrived at Milton at 10am yesterday morning and by 10.30am, the special edition was in his hands

It led with the headline ‘Royal launch for new printing press’ and featured a photograph of the Prince with proprietor Lord Iliffe transmitted by photographer Keith Heppell within minutes of his arrival, using a wi-fi transmitter, pocket PC and mobile phone.

Although the press has been running since 5 December, the Prince agreed to mark its installation by unveiling a plaque in the press building reception area.

He said the speed at which the special edition had been produced was “frightening.”

The story of his visit was also posted online at www.cambridge-news.co.uk and featured video footage filmed by deputy picture editor Roger Adams.

Lord Iliffe’s son, Edward Iliffe, presented the Prince with a gift of a mounted real tennis ball from the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club, where he had learned to play the game.

Managing director Graham Ayres said: “I am delighted that His Royal Highness has been able to visit Cambridge Newspapers today to commemorate the opening of our new printing press.

“The press represents a significant investment in our business. It also brings the latest newspaper print technology to Cambridge, benefiting our readers, advertisers and contract print customers.”

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Prole (18/03/2009 11:58:44)
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