A SOUTH Lakeland printer is in the running for a prestigious award in a competition widely regarded as the industry's equivalent of the Oscars.

Absolute Digital is one of a handful of firms from across the country to be shortlisted in the digital printer category of the Print Week Awards.

The Kendal firm will learn if it has been successful at an awards presentation cere-mony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on October 18.

Director Alan Fawcett said everyone in the business was "thrilled to bits" to be singled out for recognition by the printing industry.

Absolute Digital submitted four separate pieces of work a personalised work invitation, a photographer's brochure, a fine art print and a product catalogue. Mr Fawcett said the varied selection of products submitted by the firm had helped to secure the shortlisting and underlined its commitment to all-round quality.

Formed in May 2003, the business has gone from strength to strength and expects to treble its first year's turnover. A new digital printing press came on line last month, and the business recently moved from Stramongate to larger premises at the Riverside Business Park on Natland Road.

Absolute Digital produces a full range of work, from business cards and catalogues to fine art prints and large format posters.