Eastleigh schoolboys return £250 to man who dropped it

These schoolboys have been praised for their kindness, after returning a large quantity of cash to the owner.

Crestwood Community School students David, Krish and Danzel were heading to get food in Eastleigh, when they saw a man walk past with AirPods in his ears.

The man, Alex Barter, had some loose notes in his back pocket, which the boys saw fly out and instead of making off with the money they got Mr Barter’s attention to give it back.

After returning the money, worth an estimated £250, a grateful Mr Barter offered the boys some cash as a thank you for their honesty, which they turned down.

Talking to BBC Radio Solent, Mr Barter said it was a “beautiful, beautiful moment”.

He explained: “You take the temperature of society at the moment, it all seems like bad news.”

The local entrepeneur said the boys were a “testament” to their parents, school and themselves and he had since spoken to their school about offering them work experience.

The year 11 pupils said it felt “nice and kind” not to accept the financial reward.

One of the boys, named David, summed up his decision succinctly: “Do what you want others to do back to you.”