A SECOND World War veteran has thanked the incredible generosity of a mystery Good Samaritan who paid off his £35 Christmas shopping bill after his card failed at the checkouts.

91-year-old John Munnery was left in a panic during a Christmas shopping trip to Aldi last week when he ran into difficulties with a card machine.

To make matters worse, the ex-serviceman, who lost his index finger during the liberation of Belgium in 1944, had no other means of payment.

The grandfather-of-ten was almost forced to abandon his shop, consisting of Christmas gifts such as a £9.99 watering can and a £7.99 bird house.

But as the Winchester Road resident walked away he was stopped by a checkout assistant, who handed him a receipt for the goods. The perplexed pensioner turned round to discover that a mystery woman and her elderly relative had footed the bill.

He said: “I was completely shocked. I’ve never heard anything like it.

“£35 is someone’s weekly shopping bill. I can imagine someone doing it if it was £5 but not £35.

“I couldn’t believe how someone could be so generous.”

A stunned Mr Munnery said he attempted to pay back the woman, who he believes was from Aldershot and aged in her thirties.

However the philanthropic pair politely declined his offer and left the store.

He added: “I spoke to the elderly woman who was with her and I said I have got to do something about this.

“She said not to worry and that I have probably done a few things for people over the years.

“She said, ‘think of it as an early Christmas present’. It was an amazing act of generosity.”

Asked what message he would like to send her, Mr Munnery said: “I hope she has a long and happy life. Anyone who would do a thing like that deserves it.”

Mr Munnery has since contacted his bank about the incident. The Countess of Brecknock fundraiser and former Pride of Andover winner says his card has been restored and he has successfully used it in a follow-up trip to Aldi.

l Were you the mystery Good Samaritan, or do you know her? We’d love to hear from you. Please call the Advertiser on 01264 321 204 or email james.robinson@andoveradvertiser.co.uk