  Using 3.9 $pb^{-1}$ of data from ep $\ra$ eX interactions recorded using the
ZEUS detector in 1997,the proton structure function, F$_2$, has been measured
in the range 0.015 GeV$^2$ $<$ Q$^2 <$ 0.65 GeV$^2$ and $6 \times 10^{-7} < x <
1 \times 10^{-3}$. The analysis is based on data taken incorporating new
detector components. Compared with the previous analysis, these components
allow improved background suppression and better control of systematic
uncertainties, extending the accessible kinematic region towards lower Q$^2$.
