posted June 22, 2006 07:43 PM         

Pennies literally fell from heaven in the centre of the west Wales coastal town of Aberystwyth when a man threw 5,000 pounds up in the air, much to the bemusement and delight of passers-by.

"Who wants free money?" the man shouted as he threw bundles of 20 pound notes around the street.

The windfall caused traffic jams as motorists and pedestrians fought to fill their pockets with the cash.

The source of the rich pickings remains unknown.

Local police have asked anyone who has pocketed any of the money to get in touch, although they did acknowledge that it is not illegal to throw money away, nor pick it up.

As for the generous benefactor, a 40-year-old man, he was questioned on suspicion of speeding after the incident, which was filmed by a witness.

"I just couldn't believe my eyes. People were shocked and just couldn't believe it," the eyewitness said.

It is not known whether any honest beneficiaries who reported their windfall to the police will get it back if it turns out not to come from any criminal source.