HP and MySpace have agreed to a deal to allow users to easily print and distribute photos from the social networking site.

The companies signed a letter of intent during HP's annual imaging and printing conference in San Diego this week.

Initially, the programme will make it easier for users to print MySpace images on their own printers.

The companies plan to add an HP-branded print button which will allow users to quickly print full-sized photos directly from user profile, blog, comment and email pages.

Later goals include a service which will allow users to place MySpace photos on merchandise which can then be ordered online.

The first stages of the partnership are set to begin in March for most of North America, Western Europe and Australia.

"Sharing and storing photos online is integral to the social networking experience and one of the most popular activities on MySpace," said MySpace chief executive and co-founder Chris DeWolfe.

"The MySpace platform is home to approximately four billion images and our users, from teens to grandparents, will now have an easier way to share their digital assets."