"It brought tears to my eyes" - kind gesture to Lyme Regis restaurant

Jane Jones, owner of Baroque in Drakes Way, described her struggles earlier this month after she found out her firm was £2,000 in debt for its electric.

The businesswoman hit out at her energy provider EDF for threatening her with 'numerous letters' demanding full payment immediately, calling for the company to be more 'sympathetic'. 

Following her story in the Bridport and Lyme Regis News, Ms Jones has received an anonymous letter from a customer enclosed with a cheque for £100 as a 'small token' of gratitude.

She described how the letter 'brought tears to my eyes' and wanted to publicly thank the individual and invite them in for a drink on the house.

The letter received by Baroque (Image: Jane Jones)

"I read with sadness how you are struggling with utility bills like so many other businesses," the letter said.

"I wish I could be more generous in showing my support and I hope my gift to you wouldn't be seen as an insult.

"It is just a small token. I wish it could make you smile. Good luck."

Ms Jones (below) says she has now managed to negotiate a more affordable way of paying her debt with EDF and was looking forward to more bookings at Baroque and the long-awaited tourist season.

Jane Jones, owner of Baroque, said the letter 'brought a tear' to her eye (Image: Jane Jones)

"It actually brought tears to my eyes, it was just so moving," she said of the letter. "I thought it was lovely and I could not believe it.

"It is fantastic to know there are some lovely people out there and it was a ray of sunshine.

"We have got some bookings coming in and hopefully we will get back on track."

An EDF spokesperson had said that it 'remains committed to helping as many customers as possible this winter' and was looking at payment options to help Ms Jones manage her bills.