A family bakery founded more than a century ago has turned to the latest technology to promote its business.

Asa Nicholson's - based at Keelham, Denholme - has launched its own web site.

The venture is already proving a huge success. In the past week alone the site - designed by Dean Wilson, a driver with the company - has received 3,000 hits.

Mrs Jean Nicholson, for the firm, says: "We are delighted with the web site. Whilst we are not getting orders directly from it at the moment it is producing results by inspiring people to come to our premises in person."

Visitors to the web site (www.asanicholson.co.uk) can read about the history of the company - which was established in 1898 - its current product range and facilities at the firm's Oats Royd bakery, and can place orders.

The firm - which has been at its present location since 1948 - produces over 100 lines and is famous for its Yorkshire teacakes and hand-made traditional recipes such as Haverbread oatcake, Yorkshire curd tarts and its own vanilla slices.

It has also launched a range of chocolate confectionery. The new line follows a visit to an exhibition in Dusseldorf by Jean and her husband Ian - a grandson of Asa Nicholson - where they learned the craft of chocolate making.

Ian runs the business with his son Gordon. The company's premises include a shop, wholesale unit and a tearoom where, through a huge glass faade, customers can watch cakes being made.

The firm also produces several popular continental breads such as Ciabatta, Rye Bread and Cheese Bread.

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