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As anyone who lives in the UK knows, it's been unbearably hot over the past week.

The change in weather has meant many of us have stripped down and revealed parts that haven't been seen in public since last summer.

But one young woman got a horrendous shock when she overheard Superdrug workers sniggering at her appearance after popping into the store in a pair of shorts - and she had an amazingly positive response.

Harriet Rae, from Perranporth in Cornwall, posted a photo of the 'cheesy grin' she flashed at the girls while modelling the same shorts and penned an open letter to go alongside it.

She wrote: "To the two girls working in Truro Superdrug this afternoon.

"Don't worry, I heard the comments you made to each other about my appearance and my shorts.

"You spoke loud enough for most people to hear.

"Its obviously not the first time you've had a giggle and a made comments about another girl but when you do it normally, the person you talk about probably looks away and you actually make them feel really sad inside. (sic)

"But today, by the looks on your faces you really weren't prepared for the massive cheesy smile I gave you!

(Image: Facebook/Harriet Rae)

"Just so you know, your words didn't hurt me. The looks you gave me did not either.

"I do feel slightly saddened that you think it's ok to speak about another female, or in fact anyone, in that way.

"I don't believe you gained anything from it apart from looking a little bit silly when you realised I heard you.

"If somehow you end up reading this, as Cornwall is a very small place, can you be a little bit kinder with your words? Some peoples skin isn't as thick as mine has become and the next persons might be very thin indeed."

(Image: Facebook/Harriet Rae)

In a twist, she then complimented the girls on their hair and make-up in an attempt to spread a body positive message.

She added: "So in response to your comments, I send back some love!

"If you did your own hair and make up for work today, you are both very talented. I could never get my winged liner or my ponytail that perfect! #makelovenotwar #girlpower.

"Heres a photo of the cheesy smile and the shorts."

Good on you, Harriet.

Her post has struck a chord with many others and has been shared over 37,000 times.

Jodie Outram commented on the post: "What on earth could they say other than nice comments? Jealousy that's all it is! You look amazing!! Wish I could wear shorts like this! xxx"

Charlotte Denman wrote: "Brilliant message, and you look amazing (especially the cheesy smile!) Hope they do get to see this and start to think about spreading some love not hate."

A spokesperson for Superdrug said: "Following the post on Facebook we launched an immediate investigation.

"At Superdrug we pride ourselves on the highest levels of customer service and would like to apologise unreservedly if on this occasion we have failed to meet our high standards.

"We have apologised to the customer."

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It is not the first time social media has been used to turn the tables on people seemingly 'bodyshaming' others.

Earlier this year, a man posted a video online showing a woman lifting weights with the apparently mocking comment "Tf [what the f***] she doing".

The footage was then widely shared on social networks where many people slammed the cameraman for his actions.