Financial details of the three-year agreement were not available, but it is understood the print work comprises an annual combined print run of 8m copies.

The magazine is 96 pages plus cover and the handbook is 416 pages plus cover. They are printed at St Ives Web's Roche and Peterborough sites respectively on Manroland Lithoman IV presses.

National Trust magazine was recently redesigned with a slightly narrower format, new colour palette and font and both it and the handbook are printed on 100% recycled stock.

Print and production manager Graham Prichard said: "St Ives delivers the quality print and service we require for these important products, while still maintaining a long-term competitive price."

The companies have worked together for more than 20 years and Prichard said St Ives' ability to react to logistical challenges, its financial strength and environmental credentials were all factors in securing the deal.

He added: "The annual handbook delivers in distilled printed form, the essence of our promise to members. It takes 10 months to compile and is designed to encourage existing members to visit one of the 400-plus featured place.

"It is also used as part of our sales package, designed to encourage membership. As such, it is important that the quality of finished product matches the quality of the content and the effort that has gone in to creating this eagerly awaited publication."