I WROTE to you a while ago, and you kindly printed my letter, about the lack of clothing shops for bigger people.

After many unsuccessful visits to many shops in Bournemouth and Poole, Christchurch, and even Southampton, I was getting more and more upset over the lack of shops for bigger women and girls.

Being of the older generation, I still like to look nice. I had a really upsetting experience in one local store. I was rudely told by the assistant that she considered size 14/16 big.

I was genuinely worried as I will be at a wedding in August and, even as a larger, older lady, would like to look nice for that.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, a friend of mine (my slimming consultant) told me of a shop called Irene’s, which is in Broadstone.

I went there, not expecting to find anything I liked. I was met by three lovely ladies who couldn’t do enough to help me, never smirked behind my back and who went out of their way to make me feel at ease; I’ve never been treated so well.

After several outfits, which were really lovely, I found one that I thought made me look and feel good.

The style and colour were something I would not normally look at.

I cannot thank the ladies enough for their help and assistance and for making my visit such a nice one.

Thank you Irene’s and staff.

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