Customers at Central England's Co-op stores in Ashby, Measham and Overseal are being offered the choice of whether or not to have a printed receipt with their shopping from today (Thurs).

The move is one of several new health and safety measures put in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and also helps support the retailer's ongoing efforts as a business to reduce its impact on the environment.

Paul Dennis, Retail Director at Central England Co-op, said: "We are pleased that we are now able to offer our Members and customers the choice of whether they want a till receipt or not when they shop with us.

"We know this is something colleagues, Members and customers have asked for and we are glad we are now able to deliver it for them.

"It will help us in our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy during these uncertain times as well as helping us as a business help the environment."

Other new features in stores including social distancing measures such as special floor markings, a one-way system and external queuing, hygiene changes including a hand sanitising station upon entry and safety devices such as plastic screens at checkouts and visors for all colleagues.

Other measures also in place include:

• Stores using every other till point or checkout to keep customers and staff a safe distance apart

• Specialist cleaning products used to regularly wipe down countertops, chip and pin machines, ATMs, baskets and trolleys

• Upping the contactless payment limit to £45