AN elderly woman was threatened with court action by gas bosses because she owed 53p on her bill.

Delia Howarth, who lives alone, had just paid £473 after her last bill arrived in April.

But the 76-year-old was shocked when a letter landed on her doormat claiming British Gas were planning to ask for a warrant to enter the property if she did not pay a further 53p which was outstanding.

The pensioner read that she had seven days to pay or workers would enter her Seaton Carew home, bill her an extra £361 and would fit a pay-as-you-go meter.

The grandmother said she had paid the firm £473 after her last bill arrived in April and says she knowns nothing about the mystery 53p outstanding balance.

She has since reluctantly sent a cheque for the amount as she had “no idea what else to do”, but says she is determined to change her gas and electric supplier.

Mrs Howarth said: “I was annoyed by it and deeply upset. I can’t believe they treat people this way because it looks so threatening. I was really taken aback by it.”

British Gas spokeswoman Jenni Lang said: “We apologise to Mrs Howarth for any confusion regarding the billing for her property.

“We will be contacting her directly to ensure we have the correct information as to when she moved in so we can ensure her bills are accurate.”