A PENSIONER was left close to tears of gratitude after a good samaritan gave him food and money to help him through the coronavirus crisis.

The man was in despair sitting on a bench because he didn't have enough food to eat until a bin man found him while out on his rounds.

Refuse vehicle driver David Cairns was so worried about the elderly man's welfare that he went home to collect some of his own food to give to him.

Mr Cairns also bought him goods from a Co-Op.

The 63-year-old from Cardiff Street in Walney said he particularly felt for the man - who has asked not to be named - because both had been widowed over the past few years.

“The gentleman told me his wife had died a few years ago like mine so I knew how he was feeling," said Mr Cairns.

"It’s not nice being on your own."

Mr Cairns, whose daughter Samantha initially contacted The Mail to praise him for his actions, saw the man with 'his head down' while out on his bin round.

“He looked like he didn’t have a care in the world and I said hello to him," he said.

“After I went round to do the bins around Egerton Court, I saw him again and asked if he was okay with groceries and he said he’ll get by.

“I said tell me what you need and I’ll get you it.

“I hate to see people struggling especially during a time like this.

“I asked him where he lived and went to the Co-Op and bought some essentials.

“I thought it would be a nice thing to do for him and gave it to him through his doorway.”

Mr Cairns said the gentleman was ‘nearly in tears’ with gratitude.

“He was so grateful,” Mr Cairns said.

“He was nearly in tears. He didn’t have a lot in I don’t think. People were panic buying and he couldn’t buy his essentials.

“I gave him stuff I didn’t use in the cupboards as well. I just thought it would be a good deed to do.”

Mr Cairns is encouraging others to help people out who may be struggling during lockdown. “Even the smallest thing can help.”