The NEWSPLAN 2000 Project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the UK Regional Newspaper Industry, preserved unique and fragile collections of local newspapers held in libraries throughout the United Kingdom.

Stage One of the Project ran from June 2000 to June 2005.

During this time the Project preserved 1,325 newspaper titles onto 30,476 reels of archival-quality microfilm. These were distributed free of charge along to public libraries and archives all across the UK along with 309 microfilm readers and 156 reader-printers.

The Master Negative microfilm is now stored in a purpose built store at the National Library of Wales, thus providing a long and secure life for the newspaper titles now preserved.

The Duplicate Negative microfilm is now stored in the British Library where additional copies can be ordered.

This work leaves a lasting legacy to the public, enabling readers in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland to have access to historic files of local newspapers, often for the first ime.

> Full breakdowns of the newspaper titles that were preserved and library services receiving reading equipment.

The UK & Ireland NEWSPLAN Committee and the Board of Trustees of NEWSPLAN 2000 pays tribute to the financial supporters and staff of the Project.

The HLF and the UK Regional Newspaper Industry provided generous support without which this important element of the culture of the UK would remain vulnerable to decay and loss.

In addition, the three National Libraries of the UK - the British Library, National Library of Wales and National Library of Scotland - as well as the Library & Information Services Committee for Northern Ireland are acknowledged for their support.

Finally, tribute should be paid to the ten regional NEWSPLAN committees, their chairmen and members who identified the titles to be preserved.