Payzone has signed a two-year contract to provide mobile top-ups at check-outs in Waitrose stores across the country.

"The contract boosts Payzone's position as a market leader of cash acceptance networks and demonstrates Payzone's flexibility to service all types of retail businesses, from well-known multiples to local shops," said Bill Thomson, managing director of Payzone UK.

A spokesman for Waitrose added: "We are always looking at ways we can improve our service to customers and making mobile top-up available at all checkouts is another way to achieve that."

The electronic payment service provider has also signed up several more local authorities and housing associations to its network.

Consumers will now be able to pay rent at almost 2,000 retailers, located in Birmingham, Cannock, Dacorum, Hounslow, Leeds, Luton and Yorkshire.