A new project to bring the comfort of a good cuppa to hundreds of people across the county has been launched by a leading retailer.

The East of England Co-op Cuppa campaign will be bringing warmth to community groups and good causes, with more than 50,000 teabags having already been dished out ready to help parched project workers.

Minnie Moll, executive officer of membership and marketing for the East of England Co-op, said: “We believe that a good cup of tea is a great catalyst for conversation, connection and co-operation.

“As the region’s largest independent retailer, it’s the perfect way for us to lend a helping hand and support communities to do good.”

Among those to have already benefitted from a brew are the RNLI in Aldeburgh, Framlingham Library, Suffolk Trefoil Guild and the Wickham Market Good Neighbours.

Edna Salmon from Wickham Market Good Neighbours, said: “We held a tea party for those who we befriend in our village and who live alone.

“We hope that by bringing people together they will get a chance to socialise and make some new friends. We even have some tea left for future events!”

Since the launch in July, more than 100 applications have been received from clubs, churches, schools and community events.

As well as benefitting local causes, the fairtrade 99 tea is helping to support tea-growers in Kenya and Malawi too.

The project is being supported by the East Anglian Daily Times, with editor Terry Hunt joining Minnie Moll at the Kirton Community Tea Shop, to see the Co-op Cuppa campaign in action.

Mr Hunt said: “As a local paper we are constantly in contact with community groups, showcasing their good causes and endeavours on our pages.

“On hearing about the Co-op Cuppa I felt it was a perfect project for us to support. Over the coming months we’ll be sharing updates on the Co-op Cuppa’s ‘teacipients’ and most importantly the great work they undertake supporting their local communities.”

Susan Harvey, organiser of the Kirton Community Tea Shop, said: “We really appreciate the East of England Co-op’s initiative in donating the 960 teabags for use at our Community Tea Shop.

“Communities rely so much on volunteers, they are the unsung heroes. I would like to say a big thank-you to them all. Without them our small villages would not be the vibrant places they are today. Community events help to reduce loneliness and rural isolation.”

Any East of England Co-op members holding a one-off event or running a community project can apply for Co-op Cuppa to provide free tea.

Visit www.eastofengland.coop/coopcuppa for details of how to apply.