Morrisons is giving away 25 million sunflower seeds to customers to “lift the spirits of the nation”.

The sunflower seeds are being offered to customers in packs of 10 by checkout colleagues after they have finished their shopping, or included in online shopping orders.

Morrisons will also work with schools, care homes and community groups to distribute the packs and plant the seeds in their local areas.

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“This has been a very difficult year for our country and this winter has seemed especially dark and tough,” Morrisons chief executive officer David Potts said.

“As spring arrives, and with Covid seemingly in retreat, we want to help celebrate the growing sense of national optimism by planting these sunflowers across the UK, representing the brighter and lighter times of hope ahead.”

Morrisons is giving away the sunflower seeds to customers in all 497 stores from April 12.