IMAGINE driving almost 400 miles home after a wonderful week in the Devonshire countryside to discover you have left all your most important clothes in the wardrobe of the farmhouse you stayed in.
Well that's what happened to Jean Unstead on her return to Norwich after a week near Bridestowe — but then she discovered 'knight of the road' Okehampton taxi driver Bob Taylor.
Left in a quandary after a carrier company told her she needed an account with them before they could deliver it, Mrs Unstead contacted the local firm of Bob Taylor Taxis.
Explaining her plight to Mr Taylor, who she had never met, he told her 'not to worry'.
He had a connection with a firm of couriers and would collect the suitcase from the farmhouse and ship it down to her.
Mrs Unstead continued: 'Within two hours, Bob telephoned to explain everything was organised.
'He had collected the case from the farmhouse, bought a special bag to wrap the case in, labelled it up and delivered to the couriers.'
She praised the taxi driver for the 'exceptional' way he put himself out for someone he did not know.
'You do not find many people like this these days and we would like to say, through the Times, how much we appreciate his help.'
But modest Mr Taylor said he did not think he had done anything special.
'I just enjoy helping people,' he said. 'We have all been in the same boat as Mrs Unstead in one way or another so I was pleased I could help her out.'