A DAIRY is combining 21st Century technology with traditional doorstep deliveries by offering customer the chance to pay by direct debit.

Customers of Acorn Dairy, which operates farms in Darlington and Wensleydale, will be able to switch from writing cheques or leaving cash on the doorstep.

The organic dairy hopes switching to modern banking will save the time and expense of processing 600 cheques a week and issuing prepaid envelopes.

Acorn Dairy director Caroline Tweddle said: "People are used to paying for water or telephones using direct debit - it's very much a modern way to complement a traditional service.

"Many banks are trying to phase out cheque books and direct debits are more secure than leaving cash on the doorstep. Customers were also asking for an alternative means of paying. They will still receive their weekly bill, which also tells them what is happening down on the farm, a link our customers seem to cherish.

"But the new system will be easier, quicker and more efficient and also lift the burden from our hard working milkmen and postman who have to deliver hundreds of envelopes every week."