AFTER doing my shopping I called in the Barnado's charity shop and bought goods to the value of £6.80.

Then I spotted a stable. I had always wanted a wooden stable for my Holy Family figures which are more than 50 years old. The price was £7.99 so I emptied my purse on the counter and found I was 10p short. I asked if I could bring the 10p in again and I was stunned when the assistant said: "We are not allowed to do that."

A lady standing by, I'll call her the Good Samaritan, put 10p on the counter and I thanked her very much.

I came home with the stable but I'm afraid that every time I look at it I will think of the 10p. It's an awful thought and I wish I could erase it. I am an old lady - well past 80 years - and have given to charities all my life. Now, my pleasure has been spoiled for the sake of a measly 10p.

Surely all the goods in the shop are given free. I just don't understand how they could have been so mean over 10p and I don't think I'll be going back there again.

DISILLUSIONED, Prescot (name and address supplied).

A spokesperson for Barnado's told the Star: "Although sympathetic to all customers, the shop must adhere to our policy of sticking to the ticket price. Goods already represent extremely good value for money, with all proceeds going to a very worthy cause helping children and families in need."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.