SHOPPERS at a city centre department store can charge their mobile phones – for free.

John Lewis Southampton, in WestQuay shopping centre, has launched the ChargeBox following a successful trial in stores over the festive period.

Its secure lockers provide 30 minutes of power for mobile phones or tablets.

The charging stops after 30 minutes and the device stays locked until the owner returns with a key to release it.

A unit has been installed outside the Place to Eat restaurant on the second floor.