Communities are being brought together through cups of tea this Christmas thanks to a supermarket chain.

The East of England Co-op is donating 500,000 tea bags to customers until December 20 for its inaugural Tea for Two campaign.

It is giving away a pair of free tea bags with every sale to encourage customers to have a cup of tea with someone who they know may need company or may not have seen for a while.

Minnie Moll, joint chief executive of the East of England Co-op, said: 'There is lot to be said for the power of a warm cup of tea and how it can be a catalyst for conversation.

'For many, Christmas can be a difficult and lonely time, but a simple thing like sharing a cuppa can make a big difference to a person's day.

'We want to bring people together and help ensure no one has to feel isolated.'

East of England Co-op has 125 stores.