SHOCKED shoppers went cash crazy when a man dished out £20 notes on Worcester's High Street.

And for anyone who was not lucky enough to meet the generous city man on Wednesday at about 2pm, the Worcester News has tracked him down and can now reveal his identity.

Chris Aljaradat withdrew £10,000 from his personal HSBC account before handing out and throwing notes to astonished passers by.

The 37-year-old, who was born and bred in the city, managed to give £2,000 of his savings away as he walked past shops including H Samuel, Woolworths and Marks and Spencer. He then left with the remaining £8,000 stash.

When asked why he shared his cash with dozens of city folk, Mr Aljaradat told the Worcester News: "I am not really sure why I did it, but I just decided to help other people for a change and to try and make people happy.

"I was actually quite shocked at some people's reactions and had to say 'go on, take it' to some. I don't think they thought it was real money."

Wearing a sticker that read Gouranga. Be Happy - gouranga being the Hare Krishna word for be happy - Mr Aljaradat added: "It was my own money, I haven't won the lottery or anything, although I'm not sure my girlfriend will be too pleased when she finds out - she's broke."

Barbara McOwen, of Blanquettes Avenue, said her friend was one of the fortunate shoppers who grabbed £80.

"He was walking along quite normally with an envelope in his hands. Suddenly he said 'enjoy, spend it!' and threw money into the air," she added.

Andy Appleyard, who works at HMV in the High Street, spoke to Mr Aljaradat shortly after he had stopped giving the notes away.

Mr Appleyard said it was genuine tender.

He added: "It was very weird but he seemed like a nice enough guy who just wanted to make people smile."

A police spokesman confirmed the event was a bona fide bonanza for fortunate people.

He said: "An off-duty policeman happened to see the situation.

"We have checked it out and spoken to the chap and there is no issue with what has been done."

Mr Aljaradat added he still had the £8,000 and that he would be distributing it between charities.

"I have not decided which the lucky ones are yet, though," he added.