A waitress in the US has been spared financial disaster and the cutting off of electricity in her home thanks to the generosity of a diner.

Khadijah Muhammad works at Cheddar's cafe-restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee, but still finds it difficult to pay her bills, particularly after a recent spell in which she had to take time off in order to rush to be with her sick mother.

After returning to her home, she found a letter warning that her electricity was about to be cut off.

Indeed, she told how she believed she was in need of a "miracle" this month in order to meet all her outgoings.

Last week, it seems that miracle happened when a family of three dined at the restaurant and left her a $1,075 (£659) tip.

"They really did not stand out. They were just nice folks. I remember talking to them and having friendly conversation like you would with a neighbour," Ms Muhammad told WBIR.ADNFCR-2867-ID-801690111-ADNFCR