The Normanton-based printer, part of the Trader Media Group, printed the 128 text pages on its 16pp MAN Roland Rotoman N web, while the 6pp covers were printed on its B2 Heidelberg Speedmaster.

The firm produced 280,000 copies on 100gsm woodfree Lumiart and another 20,000 VIP copies on 130gsm stock.

Files were received from 27 June onwards with final delivery from Monday (15 July).

Acorn customer service executive David Barraclough was assigned to the Manchester 2002 organisers and was available at all hours.

All sections of the perfect-bound guide were press passed by the customer.

The guides cover also includes a spot UV varnish featuring a halftone image of Manchesters new Commonwealth Stadium. Acorn outsourced this job to Celloglas UV operation in Leeds.

Trader Media Group sales director John Preston said: "It was a credit to the staff involved that we produced a thoroughly professional job to tight deadlines that was very well received by the client."

He said the firm had held "numerous meetings" with the customer and the design agency before production started to make sure the job ran smoothly.

Story by Gordon Carson