WHEN Atherton resident Donna Shute saw four boys surrounding an elderly lady and holding her handbag she thought a mugging was taking place.

But in fact the 11 and 12-year-old Fred Longworth High School pupils had spotted the pensioner walking in an unsteady manner and had kindly offered to escort her to The Royal pub on Wigan Road, linking her arms to keep her upright.

Donna initially feared the worst following a recent spate of robberies on pensioners in Atherton and Leigh, praised thoughtful youngsters Brad Yates, Malik Bedingfield, Lewis McDonough and Louis Christey and said the incident last Tuesday afternoon has restored her faith in the next generation.

"These four boys have shown that there really is hope for a bright future for Atherton," Donna said.

"When I saw the four boys with the elderly lady it took a moment to process and I tried not to jump to any conclusions, but I did initially think the lady was in trouble and was being mugged."

Christine Cheetham, landlady at The Royal, said: "The lady is in her 80s.

“She is a little unsteady on her feet and was initially unsure in accepting the boys’ help, but afterwards she was full of praise for them and was happy for them to be recognised for their actions.

“People are quick to criticise young people but these boys proved their caring and compassionate side and it is wonderful to see."

The boys walked away from helping a total stranger without expecting any praise for their good deed.

But they have become the toast of social media after Donna highlighted their selfless act on Facebook.

Brad's mum Jaime said: "He held her bag, and as a proud mum I think they deserve some recognition.

“It is nice to hear positive stories about young lads and it shows that not all groups of boys are out to cause trouble."

Malik's mum Claire said: "He has been brought up to respect other people and help out if necessary.

“It is not the first time he has done this – on another occasion he helped somebody carry their shopping.

"I am really proud of him and it's nice to know that as he is coming towards being a teenager he is helping to restore a bit of faith in young boys."

Jan Garretts, the boys' head teacher at Fred Longworth High School, said: "I am delighted to hear that these resourceful and thoughtful young people have stepped in to help where they have seen a need.

"It is always a pleasure when our students show a real sense of community and these boys fully deserve the praise they have received.

"Well done, Freddies is proud of you."