TWO of East Lancashire's best known names in print have started the New Year under one banner.

Nayler the Printer Plc, of Accrington, and Sankey Lord Ltd, of Nelson, have spent months in discussion finalising the terms of the merger.

Alastair Nayler, of Nayler the Printer, will take on the role of director of both companies and Albert Lord, of Sankey Lord, will remain as a consultant.

The two firms will stay at their current premises, but will come under the banner of the Nayler Group, which also includes Absorbent Drip Mats Ltd, based at Nayler's headquarters in Aero Mill in Church.

The move is expected to provide new services to both sets of customers.

Managing director John Nayler said: "The resulting wider customer base will help to secure the jobs of all employees and indeed the fact that the two companies complement each other so well makes for an ideal match."

Both companies, who employ 32 staff, have invested heavily in the latest technology for origination and digital proofing.

Sankey's new colour digital printing facility has proved a great success, so much so that the addition of a new, faster, more versatile machine is anticipated early this year, enabling the short run colour market to develop further.

Hot foil printing will also continue at Sankey Lord and Nayler's recent acquisition of a new B2 image setter, four colour Speedmaster and Muller binding line earlier this year, will allow them to produce high quality full colour brochures to tight schedules.

Alastair Nayler, the fourth generation in the business, said: "The services on offer to will make the company one of the most versatile and substantial in the North."