By Pamela Owen

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  • Onlookers - mainly teenagers and young people - began grabbing the notes and managed to collect all but 20
  • Grandfather says the kindness shows 'there is still some decency' in the world

A grandfather who fell outside a bank and saw his 1,000 in cash blow away in the wind was amazed when strangers returned almost every penny.

Barry Eastwood, 54, had left the Abbey Santander branch in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, after withdrawing the money for his car insurance.

But as he crossed the road, Mr Eastwood tripped and fell on his face, breaking his glasses.

Help: Barry Eastwood had just left the branch of Abbey Santander in Manchester when he tripped and his cash blew away

Shock: Barry Eastwood had just left the branch of Abbey Santander in Manchester when he tripped and his cash blew away

The money was blown from his hand and Barry went back to his car with just 60 left.

His son Richard, 29, who had been waiting for him, jumped out to try and recover some of it.

But to their amazement, dozens of passers-by began grabbing the notes as fast as they could, and returning them.

The onlookers, all aged between about 12 and 25, managed to collect almost every note except one 20.

The grandfather of 13, said: 'The money went flying in the air. I saw all these young lads started grabbing the notes and I thought I’ve got no chance here.

'But they brought it all back back - I couldn’t believe it! They were jumping up and catching the notes - it’s a shame no one had a camera.

'There must have been about 20 lads - they were all young lads. I ended up with all the money back bar 20.'

Former labourer Mr Eastwood, of Salford, who has had to retire due to heart problems, was even handed back his passport and bank card which he had also dropped.

'It was absolutely brilliant. Especially in this day and age the way people are,' he said.

'I would like to say a big thanks to all the people that helped retrieve my money and for their kindness and genuine show of concern.

'I just felt this was a story to be shared. It has given me a sense that all is not lost and that there is still some decency in this deteriorating world.

'Thanks to everyone,' he said.

 

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

99% of people are honest genuine people sadly though the media are full of the 1%. Tha bankers and rich!

Haha in cheetham hill aswell hes very lucky lol

People in general *are* very nice! They're honest, helpful & concerned & I include teenagers in that. The media propagates the myth that teenagers are all feral, drug-addicted, sexually uncontrolled, violent thugs & theyre not. . Glad you got all your cash back, mate.

Really great to read something nice for a change

Lovely story. I am the mother of a teenage boy who I know would have helped gather up the notes to give back to the man who lost them. And so would any of his friends. I say, always treat kids with respect and give them the benefit of the doubt, and they will usually behave honourably.

Nice to know that there are more honest people like myself. On separate occasions, I have found and returned three mobile phones and 2 credit cards to greatful owners!

So the moral of this story is that most people are decent. Gee, that doesn't sit well with DM headlines at all, does it?

Of course they handed it back. It was Manchester and they vote Labour up there so they are not money grabbing Tories who are out for themselves. Do that in London near the city and see how much cash you get back. In fact we should do an experiment to see. You all know I am right... - Callum Beal, Northampton , 17/06/2012 08:07 You obviously don't live in Manchester with such a stupid comment like that!

Good on yer, young people! This goodness of heart will return to you some day in a way you can't imagine.

This story brought a happy tear to my eye! How lovely all those young men done all they could to help this fella!

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