Mystery Fiver

A five pound note was received at the Littlehampton Gazette office from an address in the Isle of Wight on Monday morning.

The money arrived in a plain brown envelope bearing the Isle of Wight post mark and also contained a hand written message which said, simply: "Please pass on to Littlehampton Carnival. Re: money stolen from Michael Owen."

Carnival president Freda Hughes said committee members were both surprised and deeply touched by the gesture.

Michael had been collecting during the carnival procession last Saturday when he collaped in Marina Gardens.

While he was unconscious, money was taken from his bucket and as he came round, he said he saw two youths fleeing the scene.

He had apparently vowed to pay back the stolen money from his own pocket.

But Freda added: "There is no way the committee would have expected Michael to pay the money back, as he has been a loyal, long-standing collector and, hopefully, will continue to collect in years to come."