I am seeking both apologies and pardon from my dear friends, the respected college principal and his brave librarian staff

Mohamed Bokreta

But staff were flabbergasted to see the book returned in a parcel with an Algerian postmark and a written apology from Mr Bokreta.

In his letter to the college, he blamed his lateness on "juvenile and youthful wicked whims".

He said had been thinking earnestly about the afterlife and was preparing himself by "putting aside all signs of greed, selfishness, ego and lust".

He added: "I am seeking both apologies and pardon from my dear friends, the respected college principal and his brave librarian staff."

'Mint condition'

Elaine Williamson, manager of the college learning centre, said: "The package went round the building for a bit and then arrived on my desk - I was amazed to see it had been sent from Algeria.

"The book is in perfect, mint condition - I'm sure we have probably got records of it but it was prior to computerisation so it would be on little brown cards."

The centre charges 20p a week for overdue books - which would amount to a fine of about �250 for Mr Bokreta.

But the college is likely to recognise his honesty and waive the fine.