The Manchester bee takeaway cups helping raise vital funds for charity

Manchester bee-themed takeaway drinks cups are set to be rolled out across the city region - raising money for a key charity in the process.

The launch of the cup - embossed with the image of a worker bee - follows the introduction of Manchester bee drinking straws in 2018. Civic leaders have welcomed the introduction for celebrating Manchester's heritage and reducing the impact on the environment.

Manchester Museum is among the first attractions to use the new cups, which are available to all coffee shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to order.

The official launch of the cup will take place at the Northern Restaurant and Bar show being held at Manchester Central on March 14.

The environmentally-friendly takeaway cups are certified plastic-free and can be easily recycled. Around five per cent of all sales will be donated to the We Love MCR Charity, said Stockport-based catering equipment business Stephensons, which also launched the bee straws in the city.

Granted the rights by Manchester City Council, Stephensons are one of the few companies to have the official rights to use the iconic bee symbol.

The cup's design originates from the striking Manchester bee mosaic in the city's town hall, with the symbol visible throughout the city, from lamp posts to street art, bins and beyond.

Lord Mayor of Manchester councillor Donna Ludford, chair of We Love MCR, said: "After the success of the bee straws, which I love to see across our city, I can't wait to see the beautiful coffee cups in cafes, bars, and venues throughout Manchester. They'll make a great impact in helping reduce waste, and the donations made to We Love MCR will help us to improve more lives across Manchester."

Leader of Manchester City Council, councillor Bev