A WOMAN is annoyed with a Worcester charity shop after they refused to sell her a blouse with a stain on it.

Debbie Browne found the top at Oxfam in Mealcheapen Street and was delighted when it was a perfect fit.

She had seen the same item in Marks and Spencer a few weeks ago for £20 so was happy to part with just £4 and put some cash into the charity’s coffers.

However, the shop manager refused to let Mrs Browne buy the blouse on the grounds it had a stain on it.

The 48-year-old said she didn’t have a problem with the stain and would run the risk of trying to remove it herself.

She was still unable to complete the purchase and had to leave the shop empty-handed.

After being contacted by your Worcester News, a spokesman from Oxfam said it was against its policy to sell damaged items but has since offered Mrs Browne the chance to buy the blouse.

Mrs Browne, of Willow Street, Diglis, said: “At the end of the day, it has got nothing to do with the blouse. It is the principle of a charity shop refusing to accept money.

“I didn’t care if the stain didn’t come out, I still wanted to buy it. I was happy to pay full price despite the damage.

“You don’t expect things to be perfect – that is often why they have been given to a charity shop in the first place.

“I asked the manager what she was going to do with it and she just said it was none of my business. I would rather give my money to a different charity shop.”

A statement from Oxfam said: “It’s important for our customers to be able to trust the quality of items that they find in our shops.

“Last week in our Worcester shop, an item had accidentally been put out on the shop floor that wasn’t fully saleable. As soon as the staff noticed the item it was withdrawn from sale.

“Having since been offered full price for the item and because we appreciate that the customer wants to support Oxfam, the shop has decided to sell the damaged item on this occasion.

“We hope that the customer is happy with the outcome and we apologise for any misunderstandings.”