A NEW internet cafe in Tesco Loudwater is proving a hit with the customers.

Ten computer screens have been set up in the store's specially-extended restaurant, where users pay £1 for half-an-hour's use.

Manager Richard Kennedy-Head said: "It has been very successful in its first few weeks. We have already doubled our inital targets.

"We're trying to encourage people to use the internet who wouldn't have the confidence in other environments or who don't have a PC at home."

He said the store has linked up with Amersham and Wycombe College, which, in the short term, is providing a helper from 8am to 8pm to assist customers. The spin-off for the college is that they may attract new users to their IT courses.

The store, off the A40, has been chosen to pilot the scheme because it traditionally has very good customer feedback. It also piloted Tesco Clubcards and self-scanning shopping.

So far the internet caf has been used by shoppers and local business people who normally lunch at the caf.

"We've noticed a few shoppers dropping off their husbands and children here while they do their shopping," said caf manager Mehool Mistry.

He would also like to see local pupils doing their homework on his computers. Access to sites containing unsuitable material has been blocked.

Customers who want to use the internet pay at the caf food till and are given a receipt with an account number which they then type in at a terminal to gain access to the worldwide web.

The computers have slim monitors and extra large desks so users can eat and drink while they work.

Apart from drawing in more business to the store, the internet caf also allows Tesco to introduce its online services to customers. These include online shopping and financial services including loans; credit cards; and home, life, motor and travel insurance.