UNDER-THREAT sub post offices in the North-East and North Yorkshire could offer free Internet kiosks to help secure their future.

Plans are being drawn up to provide the service in the UK's 18,000 sub post offices to allow customers to pay bills online. The Federation of Sub Postmasters has confirmed that it is working on the proposals.

Customers would be able to shop online, pay bills and search for information via touch screens in the kiosks.

Federation general secretary Colin Baker said the aim was to generate new income for sub-postmasters, adding: "We hope to provide further details shortly on this exciting project."

The move comes after a successful six-month trial at 268 sub post offices in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Customers used touch-screen technology, free helplines, leaflet and personal assistance to access information services including finding jobs, training courses, grants and applying for welfare assistance.