The Stockton-on-Tees-based company said that the machine was bought to ensure it continued producing the kind of work that got it a nomination for Best British Book at the BPIF book awards, which will take place in London next Thursday (29 October).

Falcon Press' machine joins an existing six-colour B2 Shinohara 74, and was bought because the company moved to double-day shifts recently but still couldn't meet demand for its services.

Managing director Mark Stephenson said: "It was time to expand capacity and demand was growing for short-run work.

"With average run lengths getting smaller this press is quick and easy to set up which means we can complete a greater variety of work.  We know the quality is reliable and being shortlisted for the BPIF awards underlines this."

Falcon Press was nominated for its production of Isle of Wight Festival 1970 Six Days That Rocked The World, by Bob Aylott.