A BURNLEY mum-of-three has thanked a ‘Good Samaritan’ for returning cash she lost while out shopping for Christmas presents.

Helen Hamilton, 46, was left distraught when she realised £60 had gone missing from her pocket in the town centre.

She asked for help from a security guard at the store she was in and PCSO Francesco Franco, who was on foot patrol.

Meanwhile, Gloria Windley, 82, who had been in Burnley with her daughter around 1pm on Monday December 5, saw what she thought was litter blowing around.

As Mrs Windley was about to pick it up she realised it was a roll of £20 notes.

After speaking to the security guard at the store Mrs Windley was taken to Mrs Hamilton home, off Gannow Lane, Burnley, within the hour.

Helen Hamilton, 42, who has now bought presents for Christina, 21, Aaron, 17, and Shannon,12, said: “I was shocked, I was absolutely shocked. I wasn’t expecting to get it back.

“I tried to offer Gloria something by way of a thank you but she wouldn’t take anything. So I asked if I could give her a hug.”

Gloria Windley, 82, from Crawshawbooth, said: “It was a dilemma to find out how to get the money back to her and it was a miracle that we found her.

“I am just delighted we found her, and so quickly. I think she would have been shattered if she didn’t get it back, £60 is a lot of money.

"She was in tears with gratitude and she wanted to give me something. My reward was seeing how happy she was that the money had been returned.”

PCSO Francesco Franco said: “Mrs Hamilton was very upset as the money was intended to buy Christmas presents for her three children.

"She only had 50p in her pocket which was not enough for the bus journey home so I calmed her down and offered to take her home.

“This is a fantastic example of good community spirit. Mrs Hamilton was very lucky to be reunited with her money.

“Thanks to the goodwill of Mrs Windley, the couple will now be able to continue with their shopping and enjoy their Christmas.”