When legislation was introduced back in 2015, it applied (and still does) to plastic carrier bags and only to large stores, primarily as a way to reduce plastic consumption.

For the last 20 years, we've only ever provided recyclable paper carrier bags and the rules didn't apply to small companies like ours, due both to our size and the fact that ours are made from paper.

And then we had an idea. Since the public had got used to expecting to have to pay for their carrier bags, why didn't we make a charge regardless. So from 2015 we asked each customer to pay 5p for our bags and donated the proceeds to charity.

Then we realised that our generous customers liked paying for them and often paid more than we asked for, so we upped the price a bit.

Since 2015, we have supported a number of charities with your kind donations, principally Multiple Sclerosis UK and Noah's Ark Hospice for Children. And your kindness has meant we have sent thousands of pounds in their direction.