QUIETER Hour, held at Crediton Morrisons store as part of a new national initiative, is held every Saturday between 9am and 10am and has been created with the support of the National Autistic Society.

During this time the lights are dimmed, the music turned off, tannoy announcements are avoided, the movement of trolleys and baskets is reduced and electrical noises and checkout beeps are turned down.

Quieter Hour has been introduced at all Morrisons stores and is designed to help customers who struggle with music and other noise associated with supermarket shopping. In particular those who are autistic or find shopping an anxious experience.

Crediton store, community champion, Hazel Evely explained: “People that come in love it - They find it relaxing with no music and the lights dimmed.

“It was initially set up to help those with autism and those who like to shop in the quiet, but the general public also seem to enjoy shopping during Quieter Hour.

“It also calms the staff and if they are calmer it has a knock-on effect on the customers.”

Jackie Petherbridge, a member of the public shopping at the Crediton store during Quieter Hour, said: “I can feel the difference, it is so much quieter.”