AN Alston shop has teamed up with a local delivery driver to 'go above and beyond' for its customers.

Nick Bazley, owner of Mad Hatters Hardware, said he recognised the need for a 'friendly, local delivery service' provided by someone familiar with Alston Moor's remote area and all of its far-flung homes.

Nick, an Alston resident, has now joined forces with Michelle Binns, who already spends her working days travelling around Alston Moor.

Nick said: "For me, it’s about providing a service to the community. That's the whole reason I run the shop. The deliveries are a recognition that people value the convenience of door-to-door service because they lead busy lives, or can’t get into town due to the lack of public transport to shops.

"Some of our valued customers from Nenthead are only able to visit us on the Friday bus.

“The internet offers that convenience but because we are local, we can go one better than next-day delivery, we offer same-day delivery to our local customers if the order is placed early enough in the day.

"By charging the delivery at cost price and not per item but per order, we can deliver any item however small and not raise prices for customers in the shop. And for orders over £20, we will be able to absorb that cost.

“We are now working with Michelle to provide this service for the community, as she is a trusted and well-known local friendly face. Because of the delivery work she has done for several years, she knows Alston Moor better than most. This is so important because of our remote location.”

The delivery service only applies to Alston Moor.

Mad Hatters sells gardening equipment and seasonal plants, cards, wild bird food, DIY and cleaning products, children’s toys, stationery and more.