Newspaper vans which distribute hundreds of copies of the Eastern Daily Press a day are now also being used to deliver sandwiches thanks to an innovative idea by an independent cafe owner.

Chris Avey, from The Old Bakery Cafe, in Witard Road, Norwich, came up with the plan after his business was asked to do an increasing number of sandwich deliveries, and he asked neighbouring newsagent Steve McDonald News if they would like to get involved.

Mr Avey said: 'We have now pooled resources and saved economically and environmentally, as, at the end of the morning when their vans are emptied of papers, they are able to fill up with sandwich buffets to deliver instead. 'Both local businesses are benefiting with plenty of scope for expansion without having to put another van on the road.'

Akintola Dasaolu, from Steve McDonald News in Witard Road, said: 'It is a good idea and it is working very nicely. 'We are looking to expand it further.'

He said Steve McDonald News had a fleet of 12 vans and had customers across Norwich and many other parts of Norfolk. Steve McDonald News deliver about 2,000 papers a day, including more than 1,000 copies of the Eastern Daily Press and about 500 copies of sister paper the Norwich Evening News, and their deliveries start at about 3am and finish by about 10am.

• emma.knights@archant.co.uk