TONIGHT, two stories illustrate the best and worst of human nature. The worst took the shape of a thief who stole from York firefighters while they were busy presenting the money they had raised for the bereaved families of their New York counterparts. Such callousness is akin to looting the shops near the collapsed World Trade Centre, and defies belief.

The best takes the six-year-old form of Daniel Lister. Daniel gave up his own time to collect conkers and sell them to his mates to raise cash for the New York appeal. His efforts instantly restored our spirits.

Updated: 10:31 Tuesday, October 02, 2001