A family visiting Largs on holiday from Japan have praised the act of kindness from a stranger after a seagull swooped down and stole a Greggs pizza slice from the hands of a ten year old child.

The Fancutt family - father Spencer, daughter Juno, 10, and son Peter, 5, were crossing the road close to the ferry terminal when the dramatic incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon.

Juno lost her pizza slice as the seagull swooped down and scooped it from her hands to the family's astonishment while a swarm of seagulls also seized upon the opportunity to try and feed off the scraps.

However, a kind samaritan waiting in the ferry queue got out his car and dashed up to Gregg's to get Juno a replacement pizza slice and some added extras in a wonderful act of goodwill which put a smile back on her face.

The stranger's quick actions have been praised by the Fancutt family, and others who have been bowled over by the act of kindness, when Spencer posted about what happened on the Largs People page on Facebook on Saturday.

Spencer, 51, who is a teacher in English Literature, summoned Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' in depicting the scene.

He said: "We had just bought some pizza in Greggs and were heading down to the seafront to find a seat to sit down and eat it on one of the benches when it happened.

"We were crossing the road near the ferry, and the seagull swooped down and it went kind of a bit Alfred Hitchcock for a moment as a swarm of seagulls came down and they all tried to fight for the bit of pizza slice which one of the seagulls subsequently dropped.

"Juno got a big fright of course and was crying but was ok after she got a cuddle and was thankfully unscathed.

"I took the kids over to sit on a bench when one of the drivers came across from the ferry queue and asked me 'Where is Greggs?' so I gave him the directions.

"He then asked what Juno was having, not expecting him to come back with another pizza slice, and some yum yums. It was such a nice thing to do."

Smiles Better: Peter and Juno Fancutt after fresh lunch bought by good samaritan in ferry queueSmiles Better: Peter and Juno Fancutt after fresh lunch bought by good samaritan in ferry queue (Image: Facebook)

Spencer explains that he regularly visits Largs to see his sister and mum who both live in the town, and are visiting Ayrshire for a one month holiday before returning to Japan.

Stephen got married to his Japanese wife Sayaka at Kelburn Castle in 2013, but she didn't travel over on this occasion.

Spencer, who has lived in Japan for 25 years, likes to come back to Scotland now and again with his children who have Japanese passports but this particular experience is one that they will certainly not forget.

Spencer, who is originally from Dreghorn, added: "The gentleman was so kind and explained he had seen what had happened and just wanted to help.

"My daughter was amazed and said in Japan or elsewhere this kind of thing would not have happened. 

"It shows you that there is something special about Largs. It was a great act of kindness and we were very grateful.

"I said to my daughter afterwards that she had just had an authentic Largs experience which included the honesty and kindness of others in helping. It really was quite special.

"I thanked him and he headed off on his merry way to Millport and it just shows you that there is still common decency among people. I didn't get his name but what a star!"