We should all be aware that if we refuse a receipt at the end of our shopping - which seems to be the new way ahead - we may not have any protection if we need to change goods for any reason.

Recently my husband bought a cough mixture at a local chemist and was given the choice, -receipt or no receipt - and he chose the latter thinking he was behaving environmentally.

When I went to change this item as it was wrong, I was told I couldn’t do so with the explanation “you don’t have a receipt!”

When I tried to explain the situation, I was cut off rather peremptorily.

It was only a few quid, but if this applies to larger times, it could be expensive and distressing.

I aslo realise that most responsible shops and services in town behave in a more customer-friendly way but I think it would be a good idea to get a receipt with purchases.

Ruth Routh (Catbrook)