FOR those of us of a certain age, an early morning delivery of fresh milk to the doorstep used to be the norm.

The chink of glass bottles and the whirring sound of the milk-float was as familiar a part of the morning soundscape as birds tweeting and the buzz of alarm clocks.

Sadly by the 1990s, milkmen were on the decline.

This followed a move by the main superstores to corner the milk market, with a cheaper, plastic bottled product.

But now a firm in Sharpness is reporting a resurgence of interest in glass bottled milk.

Beckie and Simon Hall of Severnfresh in Sharpness have found that more people are wanting milk delivered to their door in glass bottles in a bid to reduce plastic waste.

“We’ve had 10 new customers so far this this week,” said Simon.

“And throughout the year we’ve noticed a big rise in customers looking to cut down on their use of plastic.

“A number of people have also said to me that since they changed to glass milk bottles, their recycling bin has been half empty.”

He added: “Glass bottles can be reused between 40 and 50 times.

“Whereas the plastic milk containers can only be recycled once or twice before the plastic goes brown.”

The firm’s milk is supplied by the Cotteswold Dairy, from cows within a 40 mile radius of the business.

“We went with them because of their values,” said Beckie.

“The cows are free range and out on pasture most of the year.”

But it’s not only milk Severnfresh deliver, they offer milk shakes, juices and water in glass bottles too.

Simon says that customers also value the human contact of a milkman.

“People feel more secure with milk being delivered and we keep a eye open when they are away,” he said.

“And if someone’s milk is left on the door step, we call to make sure everything is ok.”

Simon starts his round at around 11pm, and it’s all done and dusted, with milk on doorsteps, by 7am.

Simon said: “It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding.

“I like a nice frosty morning.

“Everything’s fresh, quiet and peaceful, and you see badgers, foxes, rabbits and deer on your way.”

Currently Severn Fresh cover the following Gloucestershire areas:

Severnfresh are based in Sharpness, but cover many other areas too. For details see: severnfresh.co.uk