ENGINEERS are installihg some of the major components of the Newsquest (Midlands) South's new multi-million pound printing press improvement.

Work on the new machinery started in October at the headquarters of Newsquest (Midlands South) - publishers of the Hereford Times and Ludlow Advertiser - in Hylton Road, Worcester. With crucial sections of the printing unit now moving into position, the first papers should be rolling off the upgraded production line in the summer.

Worcester production manager Paul Wesley said: ''The existing Goss Metro press is some 30 years old and will be refurbished as part of the project. Two brand new Goss Colorliner towers are being added to the press line, offering additional colour and press capacity. The makers of the existing press, Goss Graphic Systems, are still building newspaper presses today - so the new colour towers will be built in the same factory at Preston, Lancashire, as the original equipment.''

Hereford Times and Ludlow Advertiser editor Liz Griffin said: ''The upgrade of the press is a complex task but the team responsible are working wonders to keep production running smoothly throughout. The end result, which represents a substantial investment in our newspapers, will benefit readers and advertisers.''