AN 83-year-old Bolton man received a surprise when a van displaying messages of love and appreciation appeared outside his home.

Throughout lockdown, Robert Kaneen has selflessly given his time to help those less-able, driving them to hospital appointments, delivering their weekly shop, and checking on their wellbeing with homemade cake.

And, to celebrate these inspiring acts of selflessness, Robert was nominated by his daughter to receive a message of encouragement and appreciation, bringing him to tears.

As the van arrived at his house, with his family’s message displayed on the billboard, Robert said: "I am truly speechless. Throughout lockdown it has been tough not being able to see my family and friends, so I just wanted to make sure they were well and coping.

"Having something like this arrive at my house has cheered me up and made my day. Kindness is something instilled in me by my late wife who was a nurse, so we must remember to carry being kind throughout this pandemic."

Over the last three days, KIND Snacks have been delivering personalised doorstop messages of encouragement and goodwill via mobile digital billboard in a bid to exercise kindness and boost mental health across the nation.

The move, orchestrated by his daughter Les Kaneen, was designed to celebrate his achievements and shout about his good deeds so that he and even his neighbours would be able to be motivated his selfless actions through the pandemic.

Robert’s family wanted to show their appreciation for his inspiring kindness, noting that ‘whilst Robert has always kept positive, the Pandemic has, of course taken its toll on the activities he usually enjoys, in particular the weekly visits of his disabled Grandson Scott, which he has found incredibly hard.’