The Scarborough-based firm began the promotional printing of posters, leaflets and ticket order forms in August 2001, before entering discussions to extend its remit. It had submitted prices for different elements of the Games, but had not originally intended to take on the whole job.

M2002 director of communications Mike Hales said: "We had a very formal procurement process, and a number of companies were invited to tender. But Pindar secured it on price, quality and ability to deliver."

The contract was signed last Tuesday (5 March).

Pindar commercial director Mark Sneddon said: "Its a one-off contract, which benefits the whole of the Pindar Group. Were printing posters and business cards for officials, as well as everything in-between."

The contract includes the printing of information for sponsors, employees and volunteers, plus calendars and pocket guides.

M2002 print manager James Clark said: "There are hundreds of items to be printed and Pindar will do nearly all of them. However, they wont do the ticket printing, which is handled by Ticket Master and outsourced to a US security printer."

According to M2002, the sheer volumes mean that Pindar cannot provide all the print, but will be responsible for the bulk, including the most important items, such as the spectator guide.

The contract will also involve the collation of each days results, which will then be digitally produced overnight and delivered by 6am the next morning.

Story by Rachel Barnes