The store does not have a Scarborough outlet and is driving in the goods from York – taking on 10 extra workers to cope with the demand.

The move gives Scarborough shoppers access to four national food stores – Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda which offer on-line shopping – and Morrisons which does not have the facility.

Asda's Walmart owners, the world's largest retailer, say the economic slowdown has sent cash-conscious shoppers rushing to its stores. It has already made its first delivery in Scarborough with the firm saying it has been overwhelmed by the response. Spokeswoman Jacky Allen says the first customer in Scarborough was Mandy Berkeley, of North Street.

Mrs Allen said: "We're very pleased that Mrs Berkeley was our first customer and to help her celebrate the fact we presented her with a bottle of Champagne and a bouquet of flowers. She said she was delighted with the service we provided and will be using it again."

Tesco believe it has nothing to fear from Asda's new service. A spokesman said: "We are the UK's number one online grocery delivery service, delivering to more than 95 per cent of the population.

"We happily welcome any competition."

Bosses at Sainsbury's are also confident that its internet sales will continue to grow.

A spokesman from the firm said: "Our online home shopping operation has had an outstanding year. Sales grew by 43 per cent.

"Our service It covers 85 per cent of UK postcodes and delivers to more than 90,000 customers each week, 40 per cent more than the previous year.

"We are expanding the number of delivery slots available to customers."

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