A RIBBLE Valley firm has become the first in the UK to develop a self-publishing ‘app’ for the new Apple iPad.

YUDU’s product allows magazine, brochure and catalogue publishers to reproduce their printed content on the iPad – this year’s must-have gadget – and the Apple iPhone.

Customers buy their own branded app before YUDU liaises with US technology giant Apple to get it approved and sold in the Apple store.

Richard Stephenson, chairman of Yudu, based in Primrose Road, Clitheroe, said: “The launch of the iPad has generated considerable interest in both the US and UK.

“Our clients wanted to take advantage of that and asked for our help to develop a product that allows them to self publish on this platform."