The Konica Minolta C6000 digital press, won in a competition run by paper supplier Antalis UK, was used to print leaflets and fliers in runs of up to 5,000 for cystic fibrosis charity fundraiser Joe Tonge, aged 19.

Kestrel Printing, based in Southend-on-Sea, runs the new machine alongside a Konica Minolta C6500 for short-run business cards, leaflets and brochures. The 28-staff business also runs litho kit such as a five-colour Komori L28 and two Heidelberg GTOs and makes around £2m turnover.

Director Keith Ross said: "The new machine, which we won on a draw after buying Antalis paper, has a list price of over £100,000 so it's a great win and will double our digital capacity. More people want smaller quantities but quicker turnaround times so this kit is ideal."

The new machine runs at 34 SRA3 sheets a minute. Kestrel Printing went digital two years ago and intended to use its original Konica Minolta a couple of times a week. Demand soon saw it running up to 12 hours, five days a week. Digital "picked up a lot more than we anticipated", said Ross.

Co-director John Galley added: "This latest edition to our range of printing equipment will help us to boost our own business offering, especially with the onset of our new online ordering facility."

Tonge aims to be the first person with cystic fibrosis to reach the 19,341ft summit in Africa and is climbing on behalf of Southend’s Cystic Fibrosis Association. He visited Kestrel Printing recently with association colleague Chris Hyde and Emily Hewett who designed the literature.