WE never have to search far to find examples of mean-spiritedness. Unfortunately, they abound.

Like the story earlier this week that South Bank residents in York were being targeted by thieves because the police were busy coping with the floods. It was bad enough that families had to fend off the floodwater, but then they had to fend off those nasty pieces of work who sought to take advantage.

And we regularly carry tales of vandalism, burglary and anti-social behaviour that have wrought heartache and anger. That is the nature of news.

So we are always delighted to have the chance to redress the balance. We know that most people are decent, law-abiding and neighbourly. Now we have another heart-warming tale to prove it.

Malcolm Craggy's honesty epitomises all that is good about human nature. Malcolm, a bus driver, discovered a purse left on his vehicle by a passenger. He did not stop to think what to do. He immediately handed it in.

Meanwhile, Valerie Saye's world was in tatters. The purse was hers and it contained more than £800. She had saved long and hard to travel to France to buy Christmas presents for her friends and family. Now, it seemed, the dream had vanished.

Mrs Saye did not dare to believe anyone would give the money back. No wonder she says Mr Craggy has restored her faith in human nature.

The bus driver finds it hard to believe what all the fuss is about. But his integrity is a real bright spot in a world that can sometimes seem shrouded in selfishness. You have restored our faith in human nature too, Malcolm.