An Uber driver has been hailed as a hero for returning a passenger's purse which had $10,000 in cash inside.

Gurbrinder Singh discovered the purse full of $50 notes on October 23 after one of his customers left it in his car following a trip from Melbourne Airport.

After returning the large wad of cash on the back seat, Mr Singh said the woman was so happy to have the money returned she gave him $100 as a reward.

Uber driver Gurbrinder Singh (pictured) has been hailed as a hero for returning a passenger's purse which had $10,000 in cash inside

After returning the large wad of cash (pictured) on the back seat, Mr Singh said the woman was so happy to have the money returned she gave him $100 as a reward

Mr Singh, from Melton in Victoria, told Daily Mail Australia he immediately contacted Uber to put him in touch with the woman who left it behind.

'They put me through to the rider and she was literally crying,' he said.

'I said the money was safe and I'm going to come to you right away.'

Within an hour Mr Singh had reunited the passenger with the money after returning to where he dropped her off.

'Her friend counted the money and she was so happy to get it all back she gave me $100,' he said.

Mr Singh said his passengers had left behind a bottle or a pair of glasses, but nothing with the value of such a large amount of cash.

He added he hoped his story, partly driven by his Sikh beliefs, could inspire others to do the same thing if they were put in a similar situation.

'My culture tells me to work every day and share what you have with other people who need it,' he said.

'I earn enough for my family but I didn't know how important the money was for her on that day.'

Mr Singh, from Melton in Victoria, said he immediately contacted Uber to put him in touch with the woman who left it behind (pictured in the passenger's seat counting her money in Mr Singh's car when she retrieved it)

Uber have also contacted the driver, who migrated to Australia from India in 2009, to thank him for his honesty.

'We're glad to hear you were able to return your rider's item quickly,' an acknowledgement from the ride share company said.

'Driver partners like you are the reason why riders are taking more interest in Uber services - we highly appreciate your help and co-operation.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Uber for comment.