A BAKERY has introduced a new ‘pay-it-forward’ scheme to “brighten up people’s days” across the conurbation.

Le Petit Prince Patisserie owner Sue Russell saw the scheme abroad and has introduced it into her shops to try to bring some cheer to people going through a bad time.

Read more: Westbourne patisserie chain to open new shop after lockdown struggles

Mrs Russell said: “The pay-it-forward scheme is whereby, someone can pay for something in the shop, and then they can pay for an extra one.

Bournemouth Echo: Pay-it-forward board

“That is then donated to someone who's down on their luck or someone in need, it can be a coffee, a sausage roll, a pastry, a cake.

“We give them a little sticker and they put it on a board. Then anyone can come in at any time, maybe they are just having a bad day, a young mum having a bad day or someone genuinely homeless on the streets.”

Mrs Russell added that anyone wanting to make use of the scheme can come in, “no questions asked” because “there’s no shame,” in fact they do not even have to talk to the staff member in any of their shops.

The business has four stores across the area in Winton, Westbourne, Wimborne and Ferndown; which only opened at the end of 2020.

Read more: Baker who used his loaf is a lockdown success

It isn’t just in store that the Le Petit Prince Patisserie is helping out because they often have plenty left over at the end of the month.

Mrs Russell added: “We have a lot left over at the end of the month and we've been donating the equivalent of that money into boxes of pastries for Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Poole Hospital, Hope for Food, various charities and we just asked our customers where they'd like it to go.

“We're aiming to set up a scheme to work with foodbanks where we give them vouchers that they can give out for people to bring to the shop and just help themselves just to spread a little bit of kindness and cheer up people's day with a little bit of happiness.”

Bournemouth Echo: Inside Petit Prince Patisserie in Winton.

The patisserie owner, who co-owns the business with her husband Michael, paid tribute to their customers for being able to run the scheme and help people in need.

She added: “It restores your faith in humanity that there are some people who are willing to give that little bit.

Read more: Talks begin for Bournemouth town centre Christmas

“Then somebody can just pay it forward, pass it on, and maybe they'll go on and give a gift of kindness to someone else.”