Diners who complained about a restaurant's bad service were stunned to find a rude message in their bill.

They discovered the words "S**k my d**k f**k face" itemised between the Sauvignon Blanc and the £4.95 fish cakes.

Shocked diner Claire Watkins, 32, said: "I was gobsmacked. Not even Gordon Ramsay would leave such a filthy message."

Hr manager Claire and nine old school friends had been enjoying a reunion dinner but got fed up after waiting two hours for their food to arrive and complained.

Joe Delucci's steak and pasta house then knocked the cost of two bottles of wine off their £260 bill and gave them free dessert.

Later one waiter suggested they leave a £25 tip. They refused and left.

The offensive message, printed out by a member of staff claiming to be called "The Master", was not noticed by Claire until she carefully checked the receipt at home.

Claire of Walsall, West Mids, said: "The message was hidden among the items we had ordered and they probably thought we would never notice it."

She added: "Everyone was upset at the quality of service.

"It was supposed to be a special night. We are all old school friends and had not seen each other for a while."

Pal Linsey Smith, 32, said: "It was absolutely awful and offensive - and to think we handed over almost £300 as well."

Nigel Langstone, owner of the restaurant in Lichfield, Staffs, apologised yesterday.

He said: "This was a private joke between two members of staff that was never intended to be seen by anyone else.

"We will happily donate the full cost of the meal to the local children's hospice as a goodwill gesture.

"Checks are now being made to ensure this will not happen again."