I am a lone parent on income support and like to support our local charities.

Today I wanted to purchase two items at £2.99 each. When I checked in my purse I had £5.58. I asked the cashier if they had a debit facility to which she replied no.

I then discreetly asked her if she would accept the £5.58 I had in my purse as a cash machine was a long distance away and it was only 40p short of the asking price.

She informed me in a loud voice that I was in a charity shop and would have to pay the asking price or return the items to the shelf.

I was so embarrassed I turned to replace the items and another customer handed me 50p and told the cashier she could not believe she was refusing a donation of £5.58 for the sake of 40p.

Charity organisations need to remember that they have 100 per cent mark up on their goods and be more ready to negotiate prices.

Sadly the Pilgrim Hospital Charity Shop in Boston has lost my future custom.

SAMANTHA GENDY

Fleet Hargate