IT was a random act of kindness to ensure a group of pupils could celebrate being nominated for a glittering award.

Teacher Janet Habis was accompanying five of her star pupils to London after their academic brilliance put them on the shortlist for the prestigious honour.

But the day out almost ended before it began when the English teacher reached into her bag and realised she had left her purse at home.

That was until help came from the unlikeliest of sources when a stranger heard their plight – and paid for the train fares of the entire group.

Janet, who is also the leader for gifted and talented students at Wyvern School, Fair Oak, said the man – thought to be an Australian tourist aged in his 50s – simply stepped forward and told her: “It would be my pleasure” as she battled with London Underground staff about what to do.

The school has now attempted to track him down so that they can reimburse him of his money. 

However, they have been unable to make a payment to his credit card because it is registered in Australia.

Ms Habis said her pupils Kate Lynham, Rebecca Parker, Grace Smith, Marshall Thomas and Fennie Yap, had all been inspired by the act of kindness and had thanked the man individually. 

She said: “I was speaking to a fellow teacher the other day and we both agreed: ‘That doesn’t happen often in London’. 

“There are still genuine people who enjoy random acts of kindness and it restores your belief in human kind. 

“It left a lasting impression on students and you could see the buzz. 

“There was also a glow around the school, a feeling that there are still good people around.”

The students were being treated to a trip to London after being nominated for the Future Scholars Award in recognition of their academic progress during the last school year.