Morrisons stores in Cornwall are launching a new service offering free meeting spaces to local groups such as new parents, charities, book clubs, craft groups and gaming communities.

Groups can book tables, which can seat up to 20 people, through the Morrisons stores' Community Champions.

The initiative is designed to help community groups deal with the increasing cost of booking meeting spaces in local centres, after its research revealed that local groups typically spend up to £20 an hour on meet up spaces.

Helen Tordoff, head of cafés at Morrisons said: “We’ve seen more groups use our café spaces as meet-up areas so we’re delighted to formalise the offering and make it even easier for local communities to come together over a cup of tea and great food.”

One group to benefit in another part of the country is Horsforth Craft Group.

Rachel Taylor, from the group, said: “Some community centres can be tricky to book as costs can be quite high and there is limited availability. Our local Morrisons café is perfect as it is free to book and there’s always good food and drink available.

"We meet there regularly to create our craft masterpieces and would encourage any other clubs to consider Morrisons as an affordable and pleasant place to meet.”

Meet-up areas will be available in Morrisons cafés in Penzance, Redruth and Newquay between 9am until 11am and 2pm until café closing every weekday.

To book a meet-up area slot, groups can email Morrisons Community Champion with bookings taken on a first come, first served, basis.