COFFEE shop owners Denise and Steve Lawson have been ‘humbled’ by the public’s support for their ‘Suspended Coffees’ initiative.

The couple own Nantwich Bookshop and Coffee Lounge in Nantwich High Street.

They signed up recently to the Suspended Coffees movement, and have been delighted by the response from the public in the three weeks it has been running.

When a customer buys a coffee, or any other hot drink, they can also pay for a second one - which can then be claimed by someone who cannot afford it themselves.

They don’t have to ‘prove’ anything to claim one, but the scheme relies on the good faith of everyone involved.

The Suspended Coffees movement - suspendedcoffees.com - began in Italy several years ago, and has been embraced by cafes around the world.

Denise said: “We are truly humbled by the generosity of Nantwich folk.

“Since early February this year, when we joined the Suspended Coffees movement, we have had more than 40 coffees and more than 20 teas purchased by customers.

“We are promoting the scheme to make people aware of this amazing act of kindness, and would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated a hot drink.”

As well as inviting people to support the initiative she is encouraging people to come in and order a suspended coffee.

“It’s not just aimed at homeless people but those who are short of money or having difficulty making ends meet,” she said.

“I saw the movement on Facebook, and thought what a lovely idea it was and wanted to get involved.

“We have very generous and kind customers who like to look after the community, and I’ve been amazed at the response. The aim now is to encourage people to come in to enjoy a Suspended Coffee, and it would be nice if other places in Nantwich did it.”