A woman's Facebook post on the price of a leg of lamb at Tesco has become the talk of the market town of Ramsbottom.
The Manchester Evening News reported Rozalia Linder saying she was "absolutely mortified" after discovering the price her husband Clive paid for the meat.
Her comments went viral and the story became known as "Lambgate" on Ramsbottom forums.
The community was gripped by what was going to happen next after Clive's wife left the post, fuming at the £30 price of the leg of lamb.
Posting a picture of the whole leg of lamb on the public What's On In Ramsbottom forum, Rozalia said: "I sent Clive to Tesco for a leg of lamb… £30.86p!
"Absolutely mortified at the price!! He did question the price and accepted the answer and paid. However, I’m not prepared to pay this!
"Some families don’t even have £30 a week to feed their children. Something Needs to be done. I Will be taking this item back to Tesco tomorrow and asking for my money back!"
Many echoed her comments about the expense, although some soon saw the funny side and wondered if poor Clive was now in the dog house.
Many commented that it's not Tesco's fault and that Clive wasn't "held hostage" to pay the price.
Local businesses chipped in with offers of support for Clive, while one resident set up a "CliveAid" GoFundMe page.
The Old Cobblers Inn wrote: "This post is for Clive. If you're in the What's On In Ramsbottom group you will understand. Clive, get back in the good graces and pop in for a carvery, cheaper than the £30 leg of lamb and served all day."
The Red Lion at Hawkshaw posted: "You will probably agree that Clive deserves a free Sunday roast. So Clive, bring your receipt for the lamb and we'll give you and your other half a complimentary roast."
The quips soon came rolling in, with some suggesting Ramsbottom should now be renamed Lambsbottom.
People also had plenty to say about price increases over the past year, and the struggles many now face, which Rozalia insisted was the point she was trying to make.
Louise Ashworth Emmett said: "Seriously? You can get nearly a week's shopping in Aldi for that? That's so expensive."
Alex Kyoto Brown said: "Cost of living is rising. It's not poor Clive's fault."
Ramsbottom's farming community also had plenty to say on the issues around meat pricing - and tried to explain just why lamb is so expensive.
Alex Barbour wrote: "I'd encourage you to farm your own sheep and you will discover that the price you paid is actually more than fair."
Rick Hartley said: "Think how much the farmer actually sees! If you want a full leg of lamb, accept that prices have increased due to a number of reasons. If you didn't want a full leg then maybe explain yourself to your partner better next time."
In the comments on her original post, Rozalia insisted she still planned to return the leg of lamb to complain, with residents on the edge of their seats waiting for the next instalment in the drama.
Dave Brown wrote: "Whatever happens today, this has cheered me up no end. Long live Lambgate."
