Cornwall has rallied behind a pair of young homeless men who were refused service in Truro's Wetherspoons.

Christopher Finch, 23, and his friend Ryan, 22, had received the kind offer of a cooked breakfast from a woman they met whilst sleeping rough in Truro on Saturday night.

Jenny Rimmer, 45, said she approached the youngsters who were sitting outside a shop with all their belongings because they were a similar age to her son.

She said she felt sorry for the men and reached out to them on Sunday morning to see if they would like a hot meal.

Having gratefully accepted, Jenny entered the Try Dowr J D Wetherspoon branch on Lemon Quay with her friend, Chris and Ryan but before they could order, they claim staff told the group that they weren't welcome inside the pub.

But the pub chain has since claimed that the men were "abusive and aggressive" towards staff.

Since then, the story has divided readers - but a lot of people have rallied behind the two men.

Writing on the Cornwall Live Facebook page Greg Baylis said: "Why are the two chaps so different, they are just down on their luck.

"A pick me up like a good breakfast would do them the world of good, just remember it could happen to any one of us."

Abi Waters comment: "I was in there yesterday with my seven-year-old daughter having a quick drink when they came in and they sat in-front of us.

"After listening them talk between them I felt really sorry for them and to look at them you wouldn't of guessed they were homeless.

"They weren't rowdy or swearing or anything I felt comfortable to sit there and enjoy my time, and I thought the women who brought them breakfast had done a wonderful thing.

"Well done to her - more people need to be like her! It was also 11am ish, it was already scorching hot and all they wanted was a bit of food and a drink of water."

Si Dunners added: "I know that you are not allowed to feed the seagulls on the Truro Piazza but denying the homeless a breakfast is a bit out of order."

Maureen Marshall posted: "Read the article all the way through you bloody do-gooders before you criticise Wetherspoons.

"These blokes had been abusive to staff and caused trouble the day before. Also they were offered a takeaway breakfast.

"I think Wetherspoons had been very fair in view of what these men had done. I repeat read the story before passing judgement."

Charlotte Williams replied: "Perfect example of tarring people with the same brush. Hopefully they can seek out the assistance they need from local charities/authorities."

Sophie Martyn responded: "That’s horrible. I’m originally from Cornwall myself and didn’t think they would be like that - it’s horrible. I feel so sorry for them - so sad to hear."

Tuesday Mullan said: "Well when I was homeless they served me and my son without a problem, I think that article was so judgemental towards all homeless.

"I wonder would they have refused my son food (one-year-old at the time) if they knew our situation at the time."

Sarah Martin added: "There’s a sitting area outside?! They could have been served there. I think this company needs to look at their policies again."

Stephenie Hardman wrote: "This is bloody awful. I wont ever be going there again."

Thelma Nicholls posted: "I am lost for words! Serve those men food, they didn’t ask to be homeless."

Responding to the claims, Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "There are always two sides to every story and having the account from staff at the pub, we back their decision.

"There had been an incident outside the pub the previous day involving acquaintances of the homeless men and the staff member felt uncomfortable letting them into the pub.

"Instead the staff member offered to provide a takeaway breakfast for them and when she took the food out one of the men was abusive and aggressive towards her.

"Staff at the pub are good, decent people, and some of the derogatory comments on social media are uncalled for."

Recalling the events, mother-of-one Jenny said: "I went out for drinks for my mate’s birthday and I saw Chris and his friend sitting outside a shop with all their belongings.

"I really felt for them because they were almost my son’s age [21] – I thought this could be my son sitting there and that they are somebody’s son.

"We swapped numbers so I called Chris this morning and offered to take him for breakfast.

"We went to the bar in Wetherspoons with Chris and his friend Ryan, who is also homeless and even before we ordered they said I’m sorry I can’t serve you because I know you are homeless.

"I said hang on – I’m trying to do a nice thing here and explained that they had a rough night so I was trying to make sure they have a good meal.

"The manager said that they’ve had too many problems with homeless people over the last week but I know which group that would have been because they have been a major problem in Truro.

"Chris and Ryan had only been here for three days and they weren’t smelly, noisy or rowdy.

"The manager said they have banned all homeless people and they even said if someone comes in who is smelly they would refuse to serve them.

"I was so gobsmacked and gutted for the lads.

"They had their breakfasts but they gave them takeaway boxes without any cutlery and there was beans and egg in the breakfast so I went back and asked for something to eat it with.

"The guy behind the bar was lovely but because he works there he had to go by the ridiculous policy. He gave them metal knives and forks and said don’t worry about bringing them back.

"I was disgusted – so many people will be gutted."

Chris who had recently moved back to Cornwall from Plymouth said he left the pub feeling suicidal.

He added: "I was born in Treliske and lived here for three years.

"I lost my dad when I was 14 and the only memories I have are of him sick in Treliske but now I don’t feel welcome in my hometown.

"I was living in Plymouth but burnt all my bridges with my family.

"I was arguing with them all the time and staying with my auntie who is older but I didn’t want to cause any more stress so I decided to leave.

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"I was disgusted I felt like crying my eyes out. I felt two inches tall and a bit suicidal to be honest.

"I just thought how can a big company like that treat people like this. How can someone do that to two innocent people?"