ON-line fine food shoppers can look forward to an expanded Christmas hamper service from a popular gourmet store.

Lewis and Cooper in Northallerton created their own web site three years ago, enabling customers to order a selection of gourmet food without leaving their chair.

This year the service will include the largest-ever range of quality hampers with back-up procedures in the wings if hampers or specific products sell out.

Also new for 2001 is the new pick and mix range where online shoppers will be able to create their own luxury hampers.

Mrs Victoria Howard, general manager at Lewis and Cooper, said: "We anticipate the new web site will make buying our hampers and foods on-line even easier and fun.

"We also feel the forthcoming pick and mix hamper option will be very popular, particularly for people who want to personalise a gift and also with corporate buyers."

Corporate gifts form an essential and central part of the order service and the company expects the new range will be an instant hit.

The firm teamed up with Onyx Internet to develop its on-line sales and last year the site won several awards.

Mr Simon Houliston of Onyx Internet, said: "Lewis and Cooper provide hampers all year round but they can be certain that Christmas 2000 is to be their best year yet."