The Co-operative Group has signed a contract with Northumberland Tea to supply around 60 of its food stores in the North East.

The new contract will form part of the group’s continued commitment to its local sourcing programme.

Co-op North East ranging manager Charlotte Bleasdale said: “We are thrilled to sell locally loved products such as Northumberland Tea - food provenance and trust is important to our customers.

“It is the passion, quality and innovation involved in developing these products which makes them stand out, they are part of the fabric of local community life and we are proud to give them pride of place at the Co-op.”

Northumberland Tea was set up by Helen and Bill Logan four years ago, after Helen’s father lost his battle with cancer. A donation from every pack sold by the company goes to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, a charity which helps treat cancer patients.

Jack Charlton OBE – a friend of the Logan family and honorary ambassador for Northumberland Tea - helped support the new contract by visiting a Co-op store in Ponteland, to showcase the tea which bears his image.

Co-founder Helen Logan, said: “We’re delighted that after many months of sampling and negotiating, we have agreed a deal with the Co-op that will see Northumberland tea in stores ranging from Teesside to Berwick, which will extend the tea’s reach to many new areas and tea lovers across the north.’

“This contract is another huge milestone for us, and will help us to raise further funds to support the wonderful work that is carried out by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation finding better ways to detect and treat cancer.”

Head of Fundraising for the Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Pauline Buglass, said: “We’re so pleased that Northumberland Tea is now going to be available to Co-op customers all across the North East.

“With every purchase, tea-lovers will not only be getting a great cuppa, they’ll be helping us continue the work Sir Bobby began when he launched his charity in 2008. We’re grateful for the support we receive from Northumberland Tea.”