FAST food delivery company Deliveroo is looking for more riders to serve a city and surrounding area following a rapid growth over the past year.

Figures released by the now international delivery service reveal an increase in 105-per cent in lunch orders with customers in Durham over the last 12 months.

Deliveroo recently launched Marketplace+, which has seen an influx of traditional takeaway restaurants signing up with the British food-delivery company.

Fat Hippo Burger, from Fat Hippo, in Saddler Street, takes the top spot for the most popular lunch order in the city.

Deliveroo has been delivering meals in the city for the last two years and works with more than local 20 restaurants.

But, in the wake of the Marketplace+ launch, the company expects to double this by the end of 2019.

The rapid order growth has enabled Deliveroo to offer more flexible work for riders, particularly those with other employment or studying commitments.

Deliveroo is now looking for more riders, and current deliverers who successfully refer new recruits in Durham will receive up to a £150 bonus.

UK and Ireland managing director, Dan Warne, said “We’re proud to be offering more locals in Durham well-paid flexible work.

“We’ve been astounded by the huge growth we’ve seen in the city”

Deliveroo, based in London, was founded by William Shu and Greg Orlowski in 2013 and now works with more than 50,000 restaurants, with 50,000 riders working to provide fast delivery experience in the world, backed by 2,000 office-based employees.

It operates in more than 500 towns and cities across 13 countries, as far afield as the United Arab Emirates, Australia and the UK.