A GLASGOW "cafe with a conscience" has backed a global campaign offering free coffees to the poor.

As well as ordering their own skinny lattes, customers at Stewart's Cafe can reserve a hot drink for someone else who can't afford to buy their own.

The Saltmarket cafe is among a handful across the UK who are supporting the "suspended coffee" scheme.

The idea was born in Naples, and quickly spread to the US, Russia, Canada, Australia, and Asia.

Now, stores in Glasgow, Exeter, Hull and London have joined the movement, according to a dedicated Facebook page, which has around 23,000 "likes".

Chains such as Pret A Manger and Costa Coffee have also praised the idea online.

The Facebook page has designed "Suspended Coffee Supporter" logos which shops can display on their doors.

The initiative has a website in development and is working on creating an app for smartphones.

Frances Brown Stewart, owner of Stewart's Café, joined the scheme on Saturday and put 10 free coffees in the bank. She has already received £25 in donations from the public.

The 52-year-old, who runs the cafe with her sister Jill Phillipson, 50, said the scheme would help reduce the stigma of poverty because it isn't obvious customers have received a free coffee.

She said: "When I saw the Facebook page, right away I thought that's a fabulous idea.

"We've only been open for eight weeks and were thinking about ways to be more proactive in the community.

"A lot of people are reluctant to give money as they think it might not be used for that specific purpose.

"This way they know that somebody in need is going to get the coffee.

"It seems to be spreading like wildfire. Hopefuly more cafes in Glasgow will get involved now."

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk