A NORTH Yorkshire PR consultancy is to create up to six new jobs after beating off international competition to win the contract to produce the health service's flagship publication, NHS Magazine.

The Department of Health invited publishing companies from across the European Union to tender for the prestigious three-year contract to produce a monthly magazine and parallel web-site aimed at senior figures in the NHS.

Atlas Public Relations, based in Boston Spa, near Wetherby, won the seven-figure contract after a three-way pitch against major national competitors. Atlas PR and its sister company in the Atlas Media Group, Headline Communications, of Clifford Chambers, in Clifford Street, York, will be responsible for all aspects of origination and design of both the print and electronic versions of NHS Magazine.

NHS Magazine circulates 35,000 copies to senior figures in the NHS and opinion formers outside the Health Service. It aims to share examples of best practice in health, stimulate debate on health issues, and be a gateway to more detailed health information.

York-born Angus King, chairman of Atlas Public Relations, who lives in Thorganby, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have won this contract. It not only represents a major step forward for the company, but also an opportunity to break new ground in publishing.

"Unlike many publications which simply reproduce, and often shorten, their print content on a web-site, we will have expanded and new content on the web-site. We will be providing online readers with opportunities to access information in detail and seeking to engage them in shaping content.

"Our colleagues at Headline Communications developed some very exciting visuals for both the print and electronic versions which undoubtedly played a key role in our success in winning this contract."

Recruitment for the new jobs, for editorial, advertising and web staff, is almost complete with the new staff working from York city centre offices.