MAY I thank Brian of Hollins and his teenage friends for returning to me my handbag which I left on a bench in The Mall, Bury, on November 19.

On realising what I had done I returned to The Mall with a sinking heart, thinking my chances of recovering my handbag were probably nil. It was then that I saw a young man smiling and holding up the bag, saying he and his friends were waiting for me to return. My relief was indescribable. God bless you all.

IVY THOMPSON