'EVERY act of kindness is a little bit of love we leave behind us', wrote Paul Williams - the Oscar winning composer who produced the music for Bugsy Malone and so many hits for The Carpenters and The Muppets.

His heart-felt words would be an apt anthem for World Kindness Day - today.

It is where participants attempt to make our under pressure planet's population create a better place by undertaking good deeds and pledging acts of kindness - either as individuals or organisations.

The World Kindness Movement was formed in 1997 in Tokyo and a year later the all-encompassing global day was launched and now boasts 28 nations (ironically, the same amount of members of the EU ... at present).

The Movement, guided by pure humanity, is not affiliated with any political or religious organisation.

Cue the iconic song Imagine, co-written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono who declared in their wistful 1971 lyrics: "Imagine all the people sharing all the world - no need for greed or hunger. A brotherhood of man."

It was a message aimed at everyone from politicians to your next door neighbour to stop and smell the roses and think about inspiring individuals and nations towards greater generosity, friendliness and consideration.

This week I have been moved by acts of selflessness from ordinary people who serve up - by the metaphorical bucket load - what Shakespeare's Macbeth and Dicken's Ghost of Christmas present called 'the milk of human kindness.' 

There is a lovely idea here on Merseyside inspired by the traditional Advent calendar.

Caring volunteers are putting donated items of food and clothing in a box each day from December 1 to 25 – in the process building a true Christmas box for homeless people.

There's also the launch of the KIND (Kids in Need and Distress) appeal.

This charity, run by Stephen Yip, does such great work for families on both sides of the River.

On Friday it's Children In Need time where the hopes and wishes of others less off than ourselves are firmly put first.

It is where lives can be changed forever.

I hope we will see World Kindness Day morph into a week and then a month-long event where giving and not taking is the norm.

You may say I'm a dreamer like John and Yoko but, as I look around me, I know I'm not the only one.

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YOU can now lose your heart in San Francisco ... to a pig. This is not a rash statement or a porkie.

A little five-year-old porcine called Lilou is a star of an organisation offering pet therapy.

Travellers who are scared of air travel are greeted by this soothing sow at San Francisco's International Airport.

Dressed in a captain's peak cap the very sight would certainly confuse those emerging from the bar thinking that their pilot has a snout and that pigs can actually fly.

Already Lilou is a soaring success – a selfie star and she has calmed many pre-flight nerves and made headlines.

It's not a load of hog wash – it's working for kids and adults alike.

This idea of animals soothing frightened flyers in departure lounges could take off elsewhere.

But I certainly wouldn't recommend an elephant in the room.

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AS we await two very significant Merseyside derby matches there is a guide for those who can't make up their minds which side to support.

On Sunday at Anfield their first all-female derby match takes place as LFC Women take on EFC Women.

And on December 4 there is a Premiership show-down with the Kopites and the Toffees.

Roger McGough, appearing at the Chester LitFest on Friday, has the perfect warm-up answer.

His Footy Poem can be seen on You Tube read by the late, great Pete Postlethwaite.

Roger, who turned 82 recently, pays homage to neutrality as he waxes lyrical about supporting both teams

He wrote: "One half of me's red and the other half's blue.

"But the worst time of all is derby day ... one half of me's home - the other's away."

And in the true spirit of the beautiful game he adds: "I've had twice the heartaches - but I've had twice the fun."

I'm a fan of Roger's tactical sentiments so, wearing two rosettes, I will sing with gusto: "C'mon you reds ... c'mon you blues."

Oh and while I'm at it: "C'mon Tranmere go and win the FA Cup."

There ... result!

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And finally ..

NEXT April will be 50 years since The Beatles officially split up.

Apart from a magical musical legacy equally importantly is the fact the Fab Four left something all generations can reflect upon – a timeless mantra that says in perfect harmony: "And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make."

I started this article with such references to human kindness and I will end it that way.

After 285 columns I want to thank everyone who took time to read me and I am grateful to those people who have supported this weekly, opinion-led entertainment by writing warm letters and who sent e-mails since it started six years ago.

Granted, not all correspondents agreed with me, but at least readers were never subjected to fake news.

Now I will sign off.

Much love and good health to you throughout 2020 and beyond - including Brexit.

Farewell from The Inferno ... over and out.

Peter Grant