WHILE waiting for a bus home from town a man took my purse from my bag while I was on the phone and sped off.

What happened next both surprised and heartened me.

My instinct took over and I chased him towards Whetstone Lane, although as a 53-year-old grandma, I never really had a chance of catching him. I noticed two young guys had joined in the chase, then a couple more.

The thief easily outran me but seeing how upset I was one of the guys rang the police while the others continued the chase.

The staff from the funeral directors took me in and cared for me as I was very distressed. 

The police were immediately on the spot and a few minutes later a young guy who had followed the thief returned to tell me they had caught him in the shopping centre where he had been arrested and that they would be returning my purse to me any minute.

Time and again we hear terrible things about Birkenhead and its image in recent years has declined but the response of people bowled me over.

Salt of the earth people are still in Birkenhead.

To each of you who helped me a huge and heartfelt thank you.

Birkenheaders be proud!

Geraldine Stones by email.