UP to 30 jobs are to be created in the Borders as the region welcomes back early-morning milk deliveries.

The milkman was almost driven completely off the streets during the 1990s by the growth in supermarkets.

But a concern for the environment has led to more and more people now wanting their pint in a reusable glass bottle, as opposed to plastic offered on supermarket shelves.

And the traditional doorstep deliveries are in demand.

McQueen's Dairies expanded into Galashiels last year, currently employing around a dozen milk-men and -women at the Netherdale depot.

But to meet a growing demand the workforce is expected to expand to around 40 employees during 2020.

Pauline Quigley from McQueen's Dairies told us: "Since David Attenborough’s programmes Blue Planet and Planet Earth investigated the impact of single use plastic is having in our oceans we have seen a huge increase in glass enquiries from new and existing customers.

"Although we also deliver milk in larger plastic containers, across Scotland our glass sales have increase by five fold within the last two years.

"Our family business was established 25 years ago and our main focus has always been supplying milk directly to the doorstep.

"Our business has increased significantly allowing us to open a depot in Galashiels and expand deliveries in the Borders."

McQueen's Dairies was founded in 1995.

The five children of founders, Mick and Meg McQueen, now drive the business forward from regional depots across Scotland.

Their promise to have fresh milk, as well as eggs and juice, on the doorstep by 7am is proving hugely popular.

And the added attraction of reusable glass bottles as well as website orders and payment has added to the appeal.

Pauline added: "Another part of the business which is expanding rapidly is our online orders.

"Years ago milkmen came around the doors to collect their money however our website lets customers place and manage their orders online and pay via direct debit instead.

"McQueen's is reviving the milk delivery industry - and we're doing it here in the Borders."