A pioneering shop continued its trend for being unique through a humorous message to a shoplifter.

Waste Not Want Not, Dorset's first zero waste shop on South Street, Bridport, had a brilliant response to a shoplifter who, rather bizarrely, stole a wooden toilet brush from the store.

The incident took place yesterday just after 2.30pm.

The shop, which only opened at the end of April, is run by 23-year-old Lydia Wilson, who has shared the story of the incident online.

Lydia told the Bridport News: "I was catching up on admin duties behind the desk when I noticed a gentleman wearing a hat walk in.

"I like my customers to feel comfortable in the shop and not feel any pressure or anxiety by me pouncing upon their presence.

"The man in the hat proceeded to immediately collect a wooden toilet brush, turn on his heel and walk straight back out.

"I was sat almost in shock at what I had witnessed for the first time.

"A few moments later in disbelief, I walked outside to see the man in the hat, had vanished."

Following the incident, a sign outside the shop now reads: "To the man in hat who left this shop without paying for the wooden toilet brush, I am glad you decide to steal eco-friendly products over plastic."

Lydia has not contacted the police following the incident, but has said she will remain more vigilant in the future.

Lydia said: "It may have only been a toilet brush this time, but just like with single-use plastic, so said eight million people." 

Waste Not Want Not sells organic food, all packaging free, as well as other reusable products, with the ethos of selling products with no waste.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, Lydia has tried to combine it with light-hearted humour, and has been thankful to the support from the local community.

Lydia said: "The support I receive from the local community and members of the public nationally and internationally is so heart warming and I am glad that this way of shopping and the ethics behind it all, is piquing the interest of so many.

"The waste free world I dream of is not one that can be achieved alone.

"I am so glad that even those looking for a freebie want that world too."

Lydia also added that the 'man in the hat' is welcome to return to the shop to pay for the toilet brush retrospectively, without prejudice.