CHRISTOPHER Dominey had a pleasant surprise when he visited Winchester City Council's new cash office.

Waiting for him was the mayor, Cecily Sutton, who presented him with a large bunch of flowers as the first customer to use the relocated cash office.

It has moved a few yards from the main council reception to an adjoining annexe.

The surprised Mr Dominey, of Winnall Manor Road, Winnall, happily accepted the bouquet. He said: "These will make a lovely present for my wife Winifred."

The cash office now boasts two window positions, one of which has been designed to accommodate the lower height needed by wheelchair users.

As well as using the cash office facilities, customers have been able to make e-payments to the council for the past two months.

"E-payments are now being used more and more, and we are pleased with the initial success of the system," said director of finance, Sheila Boden.