WHEN sales director Andy Riley read about the mean theft of 11-year-old Samantha Bedson's special Helly Hansen rucksack from Howe Bridge Leisure Centre recently he knew he could be just the man to make her day.

For Andy, who lives in Lowton, is a key player for the Nottingham-based British arm of the Norwegian company that makes special waterproof apparel for outdoor sports and work.

He rang me to say he had been touched by the story and could relate to her loss because he has a daughter of Samantha's age. He offered to replace the pack, which had been bought especially for an adventure holiday at Hinning House in the Lake District, which his daughter had also visited.

Samantha had just collected her belongings from a locker and was having a shower when the rucksack and a purse containing £4 was stolen and her friend's coat was rifled and a purse taken. Both girls were distraught by the robbery.

Andy said he hoped he could give the girls some good news after a bad day - and would drop backpacks in to the office for both of them.

If only more people were as thoughtful.

On hearing the news mum Lorraine said she was thrilled and that Samantha would be chuffed to bits as the pack held a lot of memories for her. Her faith in humanity has been restored.

Meanwhile a not-surprised-by-the-theft, Mrs J Jones, of Culcheth, says her 14-year-old son's mobile phone, watch and wallet was stolen from the centre last summer and he would not be visiting there again.

Perhaps extra security cameras would not go amiss.