OXFAM has launched an investigation after a family was told to stop speaking Welsh while visiting the charity's store in

Hay

-on-Wye.

Eifion Williams claimed a member of staff told them to leave the shop in the border town because they were conversing in the language.

Oxfam has since apologised for "any offence this has caused".

Mr Williams, a social entrepreneur and public speaker, took to Twitter to explain his shock at the treatment.

He said "a man behind the till" told his family to "get out of the shop and stop speaking that bloody foreign language".

His message was retweeted more than 1,000 times while many responded in disbelief that such a comment should be made, particularly at a shop in Wales.

Steve Palmer was one of many to comment on Twitter.

He wrote: "I have Polish family and friends, and we also have experiences like this.

"But what makes this even more ludicrous is the language being spoke and location."

Rachel Cable, Head of Oxfam Cymru, said the charity welcomes people of all backgrounds and languages and was "really sorry to hear" about Mr Williams' experience.

"This does not reflect Oxfam’s values," she added before Oxfam released a statement on Monday.

It read: “We are concerned by reports that a member of Oxfam’s team in the Oxfam shop in Hay-on-Wye made an unacceptable comment about the Welsh language.

“We are very sorry for any offence that this has caused.

"The alleged remark does not reflect Oxfam’s values and we take allegations of this nature very seriously.

"We strive to ensure that inclusivity and diversity are at the heart of our approach wherever we work in the world, including here in Wales.

“We are now looking into this matter with the utmost urgency.”

Mr Williams said his family accepts the apology.

"The crucial thing is that people have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and think differently next time," he added.

"Let's help each other and let's heal this world."