BUS passengers were given a free cup of tea over the weekend while they waited for their bus to arrive.

A roadside tea, coffee and soft drinks stall was set up in Preston-on-Tees, Stockton, Teesside.

Helping to man it was the Reverend Alan Farish, priest in charge of All Saints' Church, Eaglescliffe.

Beverages at the bus stop is just one of several projects included in the Springboard Mission which is being run by the church.

More than 100 homes in the parish have been contacted, asking people if they would like help with a range of household chores, and litter-clearing squads have been recruited to clean up the area.

Mr Farish said: "Springboard gives us the chance to meet parishioners on their doorsteps and serve them in their homes, as well as to have fun at some centrally organised events."