A cancer charity and tech start-up have joined forces to launch a digital donation system aiming to tackle a shortage of change.

The Big C has rolled out cashless giving in its Timberhill store, which means customers can gift funds at a touch of their mobile phone, even if the shop is closed.

Norwich firm Thyngs has designed a system which uses QR codes and near field communication (NFC) to connect a phone to everyday objects, such as posters or charity boxes.

Clive Evans, director of income generation and communications for Big C, said loose change had become a thing of the past with a Charity Aid Foundation report finding the number of donations was falling.

He said: 'If we are to sustain the income we receive via donations, it is therefore vital that we innovate and invest in the latest advances which help people to give in ways which are simple and convenient for them.'