A Gloucestershire-based transport operator has been awarded a major contract by the UK's leading newspaper and magazine wholesaler.

CM Downton has won a contract with Smiths News covering daily trunking operations between its magazines hub in Hemel Hempstead and depots in Stevenage and Hornsey.

The contract includes morning, afternoon and evening deliveries and returns between the sites.

Downton's headquarters in on Bristol Road in Moreton Valance and it has a depot in Quedgeley.

It was awarded after competitive tender, with Downton's experience in the UK print and paper sector being a key factor in the decision.

The magazines distribution hub in Hemel Hempstead serves other Smiths News depots throughout the South East.

In total, Smith News operates 39 sites, serving 30,000 customers, and delivers more than half of all newspapers and magazines read throughout the UK.

This is Downton's first direct contract with Smiths News although the company has been making deliveries into the wholesaler's depots as part of its operations for other clients who feed into the extensive UK news and print delivery network.

Founded in 1955, Downton employs approximately 1350 people at 12 distribution hubs strategically located throughout the UK.

David Hutchings, head of business development at Downton, said: "We support many businesses throughout the South East and have a significant fleet in the region, which has allowed us to configure this additional contract into our existing operations while also identifying cost benefits for the customer.

"Hemel Hempstead is close to our own facility in Dunstable which enables us to offer local support whenever it's needed.

"It is another example of how we can use our expertise and experience in the paper and print sectors to devise innovative and cost-effective solutions for our customers."