A FORMER Somerset student who returned a library book to his school 65 years late, together with a £1,500 donation, said he was only doing “the decent thing”.

Sir Jay Tidmarsh, who studied at Taunton School after the Second World War, was clearing out his book collection when he came across the overdue tome - ‘Ashenden’ by W Somerset Maugham.

He said: “I don’t know why but I just happened to open the front cover and was shocked to see ‘Property of Taunton School’ printed inside. I thought I should do the decent thing and return the book – paying my dues at the same time.”

These “dues” included a £1,500 donation to the School Foundation, which will go towards the development of the school library.

Sir Jay and his wife, Lady Virginia, were given a lunch in their honour at Taunton School, hosted by the chair of governors, Jane Barrie.

Foundation director, Neil Longstreet, said: “Sir Jay is a much valued supporter of the Foundation and we were absolutely delighted to accept the return of his library book, together with an extraordinarily generous cheque to cover the appropriate ‘fine’ after a mere 65 years!

“Inspired by Sir Jay’s actions, I am announcing an amnesty to all those other Old Tauntonians who harbour Taunton School library books on their shelves at home – I know I’m one!

“In so doing, we can raise further funds which will go towards developing the library.”