Charity shop sells £1,200 bike for £10

A 'chicken-hypnotist' who left her prized £1,200 bicycle by the counter in a charity shop while she tried on a outfit, emerged from the changing room to discover it had been sold for £10.

Emily Harris, 26, took her beloved customised Centurion bicycle into the shop because she feared it would be stolen if she left it outside.

After trying on clothes in a British Heart Foundation shop in Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, she was shocked to find the bike had been sold to another customer.

The shop's assistant manager Jean Prentice thought it had been left as a donation.

Miss Harris, from Alaska, travels the world as part of a circus act. Her star performance is hypnotising chickens and making them play the piano.

She said she was distraught over the loss of the cycle and is appealing for its return.

Mrs Prentice apologised and said Miss Harris was "understandably upset".