AMONG the change I received from a Southampton shopkeeper was a 50p piece. Subsequently I discovered that it was a Channel Islands 50p, whch no shopkeeper would take and which my bank would not change.

The Channel Islands 50p looks remarkably like the English one.

Of course, I could not identify the shopkeeper who passed it to me. I hope it was an honest mistake on his part, although it is his legal duty to give me only English legal tender when giving me change.

Anyway, people of Southampton beware!

COUNCILLOR ALEC SAMUELS, Southampton City Council.