Recession or no recession, one retailer put his faith in shoppers’ honesty at Christmas.

Wanting to spend Boxing Day with his family, Tom Algie threw open the doors at Practically Everything in Market Place, Settle, rigged up an honesty box out of a cereal container and a length of waste pipe – and then went home.

He posted a notice urging people to “help themselves” and wrote: “Yes, I have given everyone the day off, including me, so please choose the items you want and place the right money inside. Merry Christmas.”

And his faith in humanity paid off. For on his return at 4.15pm he found the honesty box stuffed with cash.

Tom said: “When I got back I could only see one five pound note in the cereal box and perhaps my faith in human nature was slightly shaken. “However, the long tube was stuffed with notes and change and after a bit of vigorous shaking the day’s takings spilled out onto the kitchen table.”

The biggest amount was £17 for a set of three-step aluminium ladders. But even more heartwarming for Tom were the notes amazed customers left behind. They included: “Thanks Tom. This is why we moved to Settle. This shop would have been cleaned out in two-and-a-half minutes in Bolton.”

And: “I’ve just come from the centre of Manchester. I forgot just how lovely Settle is. This has made my day.”

“I think the honesty boils down to people coming to a nice market town in a great atmosphere and to enjoy themselves,” said Tom.

“So will I do it again? Probably – but don’t expect me to publicise it in a big way! It was just a bit of fun for all those who joined in, so thank you all.”