I am the manager of Bookcase in Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Brighton.

Last week, one of my customers pointed out that the machine used to process credit card transactions was made by a company named Thales which has UK operations that are an arms manufacturer.

The company's web site boasts that it is the number two missile manufacturer in the UK.

Also, and even more disturbing, is the fact that Thales was named in the Government dossier on weapons of mass destruction because during the Eighties it supplied Iraq with components for making nuclear weapons.

To say I was outraged is an understatement. I don't want to give my custom to a company that trades in death.

I immediately phoned my bank who were very understanding and agreed to swap my credit card machine for one made by a different company.

Considering Brighton and Hove is a Peace Messenger City for the UN, I would urge all other retailers to check their credit card machines and remove any Thales equipment.

To switch company costs nothing and since our politicians and big businesses are failing to stop arms trading then it must be down to individuals to do what they can.

I would like to extend my thanks to the customer who pointed this out to me.

-Gemma Bryden, Bookcase, Churchill Square, Brighton