One snowy and bitterly cold morning last week he had a knock at the door and answered it to be greeted by a charming young man who can't have been more than six years of age.

This lovely young lad proceeded to offer to get anything from the shops my dad needed for him. On this occasion, my father didn't need anything, but the young lad had his dad with him, who explained he was taking him round the elderly residents to teach him to be kind to older people.

My own father was highly touched by this thoughtful gesture of the pair of them. Not to be deterred, these two mystery Good Samaritans returned a few days later wielding a shovel bigger than the lad with the offer of clearing his path!

I can only thank them on my father's behalf. You have restored his faith in mankind and given all who've been told a much-needed feeling of warmth in this cold spell.

Finally, I would urge anyone who's able to do so just to enquire of elderly neighbours if they need any kind of help at this time as many, like my father, are wary of leaving the house due to treacherous conditions of the footpaths etc.

I can assure you a few minutes of your time will mean the world to some, at the least making their lives easier and possibly having a much larger impact.

Sandra Webster, Carlton