A STRANGER gave me something precious last week.

It cost him £2, better than precious, real, for precious stones or metals lose their lustre unless polished regularly.

It was a lottery ticket. The numbers didn't come up, but it was such a lovely thing to do. What he really gave me was a good feeling.

It doesn't need polishing. It never loses its glow.

I want you to have this as a gift from me is what he said. I was leaning on a pillar at the entrance to Tesco Osterley, waiting for my wife to emerge with the shopping.

This young man, a stranger to me, asked me if I wanted a lucky dip for Saturday.

I have to admit, I thought it might be the opening gambit of an elaborate scam, but he pressed it into my hand and said he wanted me to have it as a gift from him.

I thought at the time that there was something odd about him, but in a pleasant, nice, kind way.

It was probably his aura of contentment and happiness brought about by doing such feel good things.

I have the urge to do the same.

If anyone meets this Angel of Osterley, tell him thank-you, from me.

BILL ALLEN

Southall