The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will be opening five Single Payment Scheme (SPS) drop-in centres in England this year.

Increasing numbers of applicants are choosing to make their claims online, saving time, paperwork and money while also benefiting from the reassurance of an instant receipt.

This surge in online activity has reduced the demand for drop-in centres.

This year RPA will be opening centres in Carlisle, Exeter, Newmarket, Northallerton and Worcester, from 25 March to 15 May. They will be open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Farmers and agents can bring paper SPS application forms and get a basic check, and will also have the opportunity to learn about making future applications online, helping them save time and money.

RPA Customer Director Justin Chamberlain said: "Demand for drop-in centres is falling as more and more people discover the benefits of making their SPS applications online.

"Claimants find it easier and quicker to use and 97 percent of those surveyed after using the system in 2012 said that they would recommend it to others.

"At our drop-in centres this year we will be happy to help applicants make the move online for SPS 2014, so that they can join the 42,000 people who already benefit from making their claims electronically.”

If you intend to bring five or more SPS application forms, you must contact your local drop-in centre to arrange an appointment. More details about the drop-in centre can be found on the RPA website.