It was one of the hottest days of the year, so Tracy Wood thought nothing of heading off to the supermarket wearing shorts and a bikini top.

Ms Wood arrived at Asda in Brighton Marina with her children Charlotte, eight, and seven-year-old Robert.

But as she headed towards the entrance, she was stopped by a female member of staff who told her to cover up or she wouldn't get in.

Ms Wood, 38, of Avis Road, Newhaven, said: "At first I thought it was a joke. The temperature had been a record-breaking 100 degrees so, of course, I didn't have anything else to put on.

"If it was somewhere like Harrods then fair enough, but not Asda."

When Ms Wood asked why she needed to cover up, the woman said it was because of health and safety reasons.

Ms Wood said: "I asked her to explain what part of health and safety says you have to wear a T-shirt to do your shopping.

"Then she whispered something about me not looking very nice. When she said that I couldn't believe it.

"I work out four or five days a week at the gym and work hard to keep my figure after having two children.

"To be told by an older lady at Asda I didn't look nice was a big insult to me."

After arguing with the store worker for a few minutes, Ms Wood decided to leave and do her shopping at Sainsbury's instead.

A spokesman for Asda said: "Our feedback from customers is they do not like to see shoppers without a top on. Normally people are offered the use of a free T-shirt if they do not have anything else to wear.

"Unfortunately, in this instance the customer was not treated as well as we would have wished.

"The manager has spoken to the member of staff concerned and a letter of apology has been sent to the customer."