A hilarious Twitter exchange in which a woman accidentally gave a council 'the finger' has gone viral.
The online conversation between Brenda M Boyd and North Tyneside Council took place on April 3 when she asked whether their garden bin collections had resumed.
After being told they had, she mistakenly attached an emoji of a hand with the middle finger raised.
She had actually wanted to show a thumbs-up and was horrified to find she had sent the rude gesture instead.
The council wrote back saying: "Just checking Brenda... Is that the emoji you wanted to send?"
She replied: "It was meant to be a thumbs up, but I may have the wrong glasses on - sorry if it was offensive."
She further added: "Oh my goodness I've just had another proper look - really sorry."
However the council's social media officer did not take offence and said: "Seriously Brenda don't worry about it. You've brought tears to my eyes. After a weird couple of weeks, it's good to laugh."
The amusing exchange has since been shared online thousands of times.
BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker also shared it on his social media channels.
He said on Instagram: "This has made me howl with laughter."
And scores of other people went on to comment on the conversation being "so funny".
One Twitter message said: "Amid all the worrying news, this made me smile. Glorious."
