A York health care organisation with more than a million members around the UK is trail blazing internet payments by introducing online direct debit facilities.

Benenden Healthcare, a mutual friendly society founded in 1905, originally to provide medical assistance to Post Office workers, has incorporated the leading-edge system into a new generation website.

The investment - of more than £10,000 - represents one of the biggest steps forwards since the non-profit making incorporated friendly society moved out of its old premises in St George's Place into a sleek new £3 million headquarters at York's Holgate Park last year.

Although website credit and debit card payment facilities have become commonplace, few offer online direct debit facilities. Where direct debit is an option, a downloadable form requiring a signature is still the norm.

The Benenden direct debit system took 18 months to develop, with the co-operation of banks, which insisted on rigid security standards. It is all electronic and is likely to stimulate a surge in membership, particularly from young people who are more comfortable with internet use.

Jill Gardiner, Benenden's marketing manager, said: "We are actively seeking younger members."

Benenden Healthcare provides medical back-up to about 63,000 claimant members a year. Membership has expanded beyond the Post Office to include the Civil Service, BT, education and public sector employees. Jill said: "Since the society was founded, it has continued to evolve."

Updated: 09:51 Thursday, April 22, 2004