Patna, July 24 - Peter Toby, who had come to Bihar's Taregna village from Britain to watch the century's longest solar eclipse, lost his passport, money and all other valuables but still left with a smile after getting unexpected help from a priest who had given him shelter in his school.

The London-based computer programmer was unhappy Wednesday morning as thick clouds hid the celestial spectacle that he had come so far to see. He was in for further disappointment when he returned to his room at the St. Mary School.

'I was shocked to find everything -- my passport, Rs.8,000 and $30 in cash, and my ATM card -- missing from my bedroom. I had kept my purse under the pillow for safety but it was still stolen,' Toby told IANS here Friday.

He filed a police complaint but was worried about how to reach the British High Commission in New Delhi without any money.

When St. Mary School principal Father Jones heard of Toby's plight, he offered help.

'I gave him Rs.2,000 after I was informed about his genuine problem,' the priest told IANS on phone.