A MOBILE phone shop in Colchester is to be one of ten across the UK to provide a new date foodbank scheme.

Virgin Media O2 confirmed its shop in Lion Walk Shopping Centre will offer direct access to the National Databank for those eligible.

They will be able to receive 20GB of free O2 mobile data a month for up to six months.

The scheme is aimed at people aged 18 and over who come from low-income households and struggle to access a reliable internet connection for vital searches, including job hunts and education.

The company said the areas chosen included communities where people are most likely to be digitally excluded or places where people have not been able to access the databank before.

Virgin Media O2 chief commercial officer Gareth Turpin said. “We’re stepping up our support during the cost-of-living crisis to help even more people stay connected this Christmas.”

He added: “It’s now going to be easier than ever for those in need to access the National Databank directly on the high street via our O2 stores, so they can get online and connect to essential services."