Wide format specialist Print 2 Media has become the world’s first printer to accept online payment by Bitcoin.

Bitcoin is an increasingly popular virtual currency that exists only in digital form, without a centralised banking system. Print 2 Media believes it is the first printer in the world to offer the option alongside more traditional payment methods.

Print buyers can make a payment by simply entering an address into their virtual Bitcoin wallet, or by scanning a QR code using their tablet or mobile phone.

The move is the latest innovation from Print 2 Media who have used their in-house technical skills to pioneer the sale of low volume runs of large format print and signage via a familiar online shopping system with national, next day delivery.

Print 2 Media director Glenn Wrigley, explains: "We've always been a bit geeky here. We’re constantly looking at ways that technology can make our service more convenient for wide format print buyers.

“Bitcoin seemed a natural addition and I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more businesses getting on board with it over the next few years.

"As far as we're aware, no one else in the world is offering this service, so it's a great feeling to say we're the first."