The spirit of Christmas was alive and well in a branch of Tesco in Devon this Christmas Eve.
An as-yet unnamed would-be Santa Claus was seen giving out paper envelopes full of cash to passers-by, or sneaking them into shopping baskets, each one accompanied by a letter that read:
"Happy Christmas. I have recently been fortunate enough to have come into quite a lot of money - more than I need for myself and my family. So I thought that I would share some of it with other people - the £50 enclosed is for you."
"I hope this enables you to have a little extra cheer this Christmas. You do not have to do anything other than spend the money - and it is real, there is no trick, no hidden cameras or catch. Just have a happy Christmas."
Some of those lucky enough to receive the unexpected gift at the Sampford Peverel store have since gone to have the notes verified at a bank - and yes, yes indeed, they really were the real deal.
No description of the man has been announced, leaving awe-struck strangers turning to local papers to see who the supermarket philanthropist might be.
So far, no concrete information has emerged, and Tesco officials can neither confirm or deny that the seemingly unbelievable occurrence took place.
That said, local parish clerk, Mike Aspray, 69, told PA that two pensioners who received the letter were given the surprise cash by a "youngish man" - so if you see a "youngish man" with a generous face in the Sampford Peverel area, let us know, as we'd very much like to shake him by the hand.
