A COMPANY is sending truckloads of teabags and custard creams over to France for ex-pats who can’t live without a taste of home.

La Maison Removals, based in Rayleigh, was set up by John Steventon ten years ago to move furniture and personal possessions to France and Spain for people emigrating.

After moving to France with his young family, Mr Steventon was missing his home comforts, and would take food and drink back after a trip across the Channel.

Mr Steventon said he first considered the idea of taking UK items to mainland Europe for others after the Euro dipped against the pound.

His business is now inundated with requests from its 1,500 customers, asking for anything from nappies to sausages.

Customers do their shopping at English stores online, and get the groceries delivered to La Maison.

All the items are then put into lorries and driven for 12 hours to central France.

Mr Steventon, 39, lived in Rayleigh for ten years before moving to France three-and-a-half years ago. He explained: “If you have the sun, the weather and your home comforts, you have the best of both worlds.”

People use an online form to put in their orders for delivery to the Rayleigh depot.

Mr Steventon added: “Including our delivery costs we are still 50 per cent cheaper. Shops do have English sections, but they are very expensive, and you don’t get buy one get one free in France.”