A DAD of twins has been applauded on social media after forgiving a thief who stole more than £500 from his bank account. 

Widnes man Philip Mckenna posted on Facebook the thief had 'hacked' into his bank account/paypal this week and took £536.95.

He added: "It was kind of impressive the way you did it.

"I'm a gardener from Widnes and understandably my wages go right down this time of year.

"I'd already bought some of my twins Christmas presents.

"I still had to get their main one, an electric piano, though."

Despite informing both his bank account and paypal and spending more than 10 hours on the phone, Philip says he has not got anywhere with regard to getting the money back. 

After finding a receipt in his Hotmail account which he claims the thief had tried to delete, Philip could see an expensive bluetooth speaker had been bought and the address it had been posted to and signed for using Philip's name.

But rather than use the information he had gathered to confront the thief, Philip chose to wish them a merry Christmas instead.

The Facebook posts adds: "I even went on Google maps and can see your house.

"You live four hours away from me.

"Your house looks a little run down but you have kids toys in your front garden.

"That's probably the one positive thing that I keep thinking about....maybe you're in a worse position than me and became desperate when trying to get presents for your kids.

"Maybe it really was a case of beg, borrowing and stealing for them.

"I'm sure we'll get by. As long as my twins are in good health then I'm sure this will eventually fade in to the background over time.

"Life goes on and I'll drown in deeper oceans.

"I just hope that when your kids wake up on Christmas morning that they got everything you promised them.

"If this is the case, then I'm glad that in some way I helped them.

"I hope they never find out what happened. I hope they still believe in Santa. And you.

"Merry Christmas, Phil Mckenna."

After reading the Facebook post, many people sent Philip advice on what to do next as well as praising him for such a kind-hearted gesture.

One comment added: "Sounds like you have more than they'll ever have!

"A lovely family and a conscience and I hope good Karma comes your way."