The milk rounds that have kept this family-run farm afloat during Covid crisis

The traditional milkman was something almost everyone relied on in years gone by.

And while supermarkets have seen an end to the majority of old fashioned floats, one farm is particular is bucking the trend.

Smithills Open Farm in Bolton has just celebrated its third anniversary of doorstep milk deliveries and it's the one thing that has helped keep the business afloat as demand soared during the pandemic.

Farmer Carl Grimshaw says the place 'wouldn't be here now, if it wasn't for the milk delivery business', which is going from strength to strength.

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As well as delivering one-litre and pint glass bottles of milk, along with litre bottles of its popular milkshakes, its 'Udderley Delicious' range includes eggs, double cream, butter, yoghurts, cheescakes and ice cream. Fruit and veg can also be ordered and cheese will soon be on the menu too.

"Without our doorstep deliveries throughout Covid lockdowns, Smithills Farm wouldn’t be open to the public today," said Carl.

"We've now got around 6,000 families, schools and businesses in the Bolton area enjoying Smithills Farm milk and other products on their doorsteps every week.

"I think it's been so successful because everyone is looking for reusable and recyclable products, people are cautious of where their foods come from and people are also wanting to support other local businesses."

The litre bottles of milk come with a screw top lid to keep it fresher for longer and deliveries are promised before 8am to catch most people before they got to work.

Customers have also been impressed by the prices - 68p a pint or £1.25 for a litre - and that includes delivery in Bolton.

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