I’ve noticed that the supermarkets are all using adverts about belonging, caring and helping to tempt us to shop with them over Christmas.

I’ve just been to a supermarket for four items – that’s all, four – and urgently!

I went by bike, also unusual, arrived and promptly realised – left the bike lock at home.

I had limited time, there were very few customers, but I wasn’t keen to leave the bike unattended; surely staff would help? I was told the trolley collector wouldn’t be able to do his job if he was ‘watching bikes’ – but he wouldn’t just be ‘watching bikes’ for the four minutes and 18 seconds it took me to buy my four things, he would be helping, and that would make us both happy, no?

I was told I “should have brought a lock”.

I knew that! I said out loud: “I just wondered if someone could help me.”

Then a man standing outside said he was waiting for a taxi and was happy to watch my bike for me.

He later told me he volunteers at Cherry Tree Nursery in Northbourne, where I know from experience people are happy and help (though they don’t wear high vis. jackets proclaiming it!).

Thank you again to that helpful person.

SUE SMITH, Petit Road, Bournemouth