STAFF and students returning for a new year at Southampton Institute can now sign up to an innovative cash-less system for food.

Aramark, which holds the catering contract at Southampton Institute, has introduced Quik Pay, which is open to all students and lecturers for them to use when paying for their food and refreshments.

This system links together all restaurant tills and stores the information on two computers on the main site.

Users load money on to the Quik Pay card, which not only dispenses with the need to carry cash but offers the chance to receive discounts and win prizes.

Aramark chief executive Bill Toner officially opened the new catering services at the Institute following a £400,000 investment and refurbishment programme.

The refurbishment includes a restaurant, a coffee lounge, sandwich bar and two separate quick- stop cafes. Ethnic foods feature on the menu daily and Fairtrade and organic products have also been introduced.

Bill Toner said: "We've worked really closely with our clients and customers to find the best solution to fit them and I'm delighted with the final results."