DOZENS of businesses in Wilmslow will again show their generosity next month by offering ex-servicemen a free brew.

For the second year running, cafés, restaurants and shops in the town will provide a cup of tea or coffee to war veterans and former military personnel – completely free of charge.

Ella Brookbanks came up with the #FreeTeaForTroops concept last year after being noticing a similar initiative while on holiday in Normandy, and believes it can become even bigger this time around.

“I saw that places there were thankful for the efforts of troops in the Second World War, and were offering them a place to sit and have a drink free of charge,” she said.

“My granddad served in the Second World War, so it really hit home as a lovely thing to do, and I decided to bring the idea home.

“More than 40 businesses took part last year, and we’ve had even more interest in the scheme for next month.

“The Chapel Lane Business Group is getting involved, a few places in Alderley Edge want to get involved too, and there’s even a woman from Saddleworth who wants to take the scheme there.”

#FreeTeaForTroops will return on the last weekend of October, and run throughout the entirety of November.

Ella believes the scheme is just another example of Wilmslow’s unique and friendly character.

She said: “It was very well received last year, and it fit in well with the whole town’s efforts for remembrance.

“It was so lovely to see Wilmslow decorated in poppies, there was a really nice remembrance parade, and it was something really special.”

For more information on #FreeTeaForTroops, email Ella on teafortroopssale@gmail.com or follow @teafortroops on Twitter.