Booker is trialling a web-based home shopping service at Premier-branded independent stores.

The new service, called Premierdelivered.co.uk, allows consumers to shop the store via the internet and select a one-hour time slot for goods to be delivered. Shoppers can request a same-day or next-day delivery, or collect their order in person.

Savings are offered on full case purchases and bespoke web deals are available, as well as the regular Premier promotions. Items not normally stocked in neighbourhood stores such as bulk packs can be delivered to stores overnight, or collected by the retailer from the nearest Booker branch for next-day fulfilment, meaning that a shopper is potentially selecting from the cash and carry firm's entire product range.

A Premier store in Ipswich, Suffolk, was the first to offer the service, with other outlets in Sheffield, Greater Manchester and Devon also now online.

Each store can personalise the delivery charges and cut-off times to suit their location. The Ipswich store requests a minimum order of £15 with a £2.75 delivery charge on top, with free delivery for orders of £25 or more.

One participating retailer said that the scheme had made a "fantastic" start, with orders of £60-£70 not uncommon.

Booker retail sales director Steve Fox commented: "This is a trial, and if we can get this to work it could be interesting for all Premier retailers and Booker customers.

"I am looking forward to its further development."