Here's a little story that will give you a lift and restore your faith in human nature.

I drive a mini-bus for a day centre in Kemp Town, shuttling the physically disabled from their homes to the centre and back again.

It was Thursday, October 23 and winter made known its arrival with a biting wind. The clients, safely tucked up in the warmth of the centre, I headed for the Asda petrol station at the Marina.

The battery on the bus was having mood swings and not holding the charge. With a full tank of diesel, I turned the ignition key. Dead as a doorknob. My heart sank, I had forgotten my mobile and in my panic I couldn't remember a single phone number.

I slunk back to the cashier's desk with a lost and helpless look on my face. But my anxiety was unfounded for little did I know Asda had employed a couple of angels in the form of Jackie and Gemma.

These two young ladies calmed me in a motherly fashion, assuring me everything would be alright. The lovely Gemma helped me no end in organising a mechanic, who would be there within half an hour.

Back on the bus, I waited with teeth chattering and feeling rather embarrassed I was taking up valuable space by the pumps when there was a tap-tap on the door.

I turned to see Jackie's pretty face smiling at me.

"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" she asked.

I couldn't believe my ears. "Yes please, thank you," I said nodding gratefully.

Off she went and minutes later I had my cold hands wrapped around the hot cup. And before long the bus was in action thanks to Asda's angels, Jackie and Gemma.

-Bill Grant, Brighton