IT’S not very often in this modern, fast paced, dog-eat-dog world of ours that you hear of stories of selfless good deeds.

But settle in one and all, because I have had such an experience.

Aside from my everyday car, I also own a 1979 MG Midget, which, one recent evening, I decided to take out for a very short drive (a few miles) to water the plants at my parents’ house while they were on holiday.

I knew I didn’t have much petrol left, but I figured it was only a few miles and I would get away with it.

Sadly, I didn’t.

Not only did I slow to a stuttering halt, naturally, of course, this happened along a quiet country lane that I use as a short-cut. Naturally, again, it happened in a dip between two hills, leaving me completely stranded.

The parents were on holiday and my girlfriend at work, so a long walk and a convoluted plan involving the borrowing of my mum’s car was on the horizon.

Only now, as I write this, do I recall that at least one car squeezed past me without stopping.

But then a huge grey BMW appeared from the opposite direction as I slowly attempted to roll my lifeless roadster backward into a farm track entrance.

“You alright, mate”, the driver asked out of his window. I said I had stupidly run out of petrol.

He stopped and offered to take me to the petrol station a few miles down the road. We got chatting and it transpired he also had an MG (like me) which he was trying to sell (like me) and he had even just had the alternator replaced (like me).

What are the chances?

Anyway, he didn’t only take me to the petrol station, but all the way home to collect my petrol can out of the boot of my other car, then to get petrol, then back to my ditched sports car.

This man gave up half an hour of his evening, not mention a couple of quid in petrol, just to help me. And he only grudgingly accepted the four-pack I bought him at the petrol station as a thank-you.

So, Pete, I salute you. Not only did you get me out of a potentially sticky situation that was entirely of my own making, but you have restored my faith in the selflessness of mankind.

Now readers, ask yourselves: Would you have done the same?