IT’S a predicament that most of us have been in at least once in our lives.

You’re shopping when suddenly the little one decides they've been caught a bit short.

And we all know when that happens, there is no adequate warning and time is very much of the essence.

Unless there is a public loo nearby then dad Paul Tonna did what most us would do.

He headed with his desperate daughter in tow straight for a fast-food outlet.

But, says Mr Tonna, those behind the counter were far from accommodating and refused them entry to their facilities. And their reason – he hadn’t bought anything.

Yes, they are a business and have to pay for the upkeep of their loos, but this was a worried little girl in need of help from staff at a major international fast food firm.

What she didn’t expect was to have to try to sprint cross-legged from the shop to find somewhere more helpful, which, to her great relief, she did.

A quick survey by the Daily Echo found other cafes and eateries on the High Street would have come to little Katy’s aid.

Yes, it may seem like a wee problem but to most parents who find themselves in a similar situation that moment of panic is no fun.

Therefore, it is reassuring to know that, unlike Mr Tonna’s experience, if it happens to you then common sense would prevail – at least in some cases anyway.

And if that’s the case you may actually go back and probably buy something next time.