The contract covers forms and medical charts, as well as any other print requirements that should arise at the trust's sites in North Manchester, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale.

APS Group director Kim Naylor said: "This is the first contract the company has secured with an NHS Trust and we hope it will be the catalyst for future growth in this sector."

The Trust provides district general hospital services and a range of specialist treatments, including the regional infectious disease unit based at North Manchester General Hospital.

Procurement manager at the Trust, Peter Hamilton, said: "We were looking for a responsible supplier that would not only deliver budget and process efficiencies but is environmentally aware too."