Marks and Spencer customers have complained after the chain decided to scrap the free biscuit which used to come with hot drinks at the chain's cafes.

The department store has justified the decision by saying it is trying to minimise food waste, and that many people threw their biscuits in the bin.

However, rather than praising the store's environmental credentials, customers have reacted with outrage on social media.

One complained on Twitter: "Marks and Spencer what's with the stinginess with the free biscuits in your cafes now? Two different M&S cafes and no mini treat with my coffee."

Another added: "M&S used to give you a little free biscuit with a tea. But, of late, my saucer is bare."

M&S defended its decision, and added: "The free biscuit is still available, our customers just need to ask. This is an effort to improve food waste as we've found a lot of customers don't eat the biscuit."

For those who want to enjoy the oat biscuits at home, the supermarket sells them in its food halls in packs of 22 for £1.

Consumer expert Sue Hayward told the Mail on Sunday: "M&S is caught between a rock and a hard place on this one. It's saving waste by stopping automatically dishing out free biscuits, but facing complaints from customers who are moaning that they can't get a free biscuit."