Gift aid

HUMOUR, along with generosity, has been in short supply over the last three years. A series of economic and political crises have rocked Britain but now, in the heart of North Yorkshire, one man's generosity has reminded us that kindness can still be found.

By The Newsroom

Published 25th Nov 2010, 21:10 BST

Updated 25th Nov 2010, 21:10 BST

The mystery man who presented a valuable Beryl Cook painting to a charity shop in Skipton is not believed to be a banker, but nobody knows. His swift disappearance, with only a wink and the suggestion that the work be sent to auction, surely marks him out as one who shuns the limelight. Such modesty can be an example to the rest of society.

Yorkshire folk have seen the pressure on their purse strings increase during the economic slump but their generosity is needed now more than ever. Charities face a cut in grants and, with many businesses still struggling to survive, every penny given to good causes makes a difference.

Oxfam, the recipient of the Cook painting, is an international organisation with a long future ahead of it. The picture for smaller charities is less certain, and they should not be forgotten even in the grip of austerity measures.