THE CO-OP is helping to overcome worldwide poverty and suffering by making sure people get a good cuppa.

Special 160-bag packs of Co-op tea are on sale at the firm's stores in Charlton, Eltham, Plumstead and Woolwich with eight free assorted Oxfam Christmas cards. They are among half a million packs which have gone on offer nationwide to raise £50,000 towards the cost of the charity in more than 70 countries.

Group Operations Manager Peter Rowley said: "We all need a helping hand at Christmas and these attractive cards are the perfect way to wish greetings for the season."

Co-op 99 tea was re-launched earlier this year as the UK's first mainstream grocery item to be sold on the basis of "sound sourcing".

This guarantees safe, decent working and living conditions for workers on tea estates producing their famous brand.

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