Supermarket giant Tesco has confirmed a permanent change to its stores worldwide.
Following on from its successful trial, Tesco's "quiet hour" scheme will stay permanently in UK stores.
The scheme was introduced as a trial scheme in the larger stores, but it was so well received the supermarket will continue to lower noise and dim the lights in its stores two days a week.
Also known as "quiet hour", this will take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 9am and 10am.
Tesco, which has recently opened a shop without tills, confirmed that the rest of the week will operate as normal.
In a statement, Tesco explained: "People can feel, see and experience the world differently, and for our customers with autism, the shopping experience may sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.
"A calmer environment can also be better for our elderly customers, ones shopping with young children, or our customers who may be struggling with mental health."
Claire Pickhall, Tesco group customer proposition director, said: "We know that almost 20% of the population in the UK have a disability and we want to be able to help our customers as much as we can.
"I know that for some people the shopping trip can be stressful and not just for people with a disability but for others looking for a calmer place to shop.
"We want everyone to know that Tesco is a welcome place for everyone to come and shop or work with us."
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The supermarket, which has 3,400 shops in the UK, is also aiming to reduce the noise of self-service tills and Scan As You Shop devices in the future.
Several people took to Twitter to discuss the news, with one person simply saying "Thank you Tesco".
Another jokingly explained: "I accidentally went shopping in quiet hour a while ago and it was divine. At 10am they switched on the fluorescent lighting and I hissed and cowered like Dracula."
A third added: "I love this."
The Tesco quiet hour is separate to the NHS hour that was introduced during the coronavirus pandemic.
This was introduced as a way to make sure key workers had access to stores and food while they were providing an incredible service to the country.
It does not mean certain people will receive priority access to the store, but aims to make people feel more comfortable while shopping.
Tesco has not yet confirmed how many stores will be participating in the scheme.
Daily Star has contacted Tesco to confirm whether all Tesco stores will be involved.
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