Plastic bags used by customers at Tesco in England has been cut by almost 80% in a month.

That’s a consequence of introducing the government’s five pence bag charge, according to the supermarket.

The charge is applied to all retailers with 250 or more full-time employees and aims to cut the number of plastic bags taken from shops and improve the environment.

The number of online shoppers selecting ‘bagless’ deliveries has increased by nearly 50%, Tesco added.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart said: “I’m really delighted that the five pence plastic bag charge is starting to have a real impact and is raising thousands for good causes.

“Cutting the number of plastic bags we use is a small but vital step in reducing plastic waste. It will not only tidy up our towns and countryside, it will also help protect our precious beaches and sea life.”