Our story about an elderly woman who was pinned down and robbed in her home has touched the hearts of readers.

Alberta Cockroft has received bunches of flowers and even an anonymous cash donation after the incident was published on the front page on July 31.

The 93-year-old was sitting in an armchair in her bungalow in Cellar Hill, Lynsted, when the intruder flung open the door leading from the kitchen to the living room and told her he was collecting money for window cleaning.

She stood up to confront him but he pushed her down and held her in place as he took the purse out of her knitting bag beside her.

It contained about £300 in cash plus the card she uses to draw her pension from the post office.

He then ran out the front door and along the road in the direction of Cambridge Lane. The theft happened between 1.55pm and 2.07pm on July 16.

It’s believed he gained access through the back door which had been left open due to the warm weather.

Mrs Cockroft said: “I’ve been very touched by the public’s kindness. It makes you think there are still some good people about out there still.

“Everyone around here has been keeping an eye on me. The cash I received didn’t cover the amount I lost but it was still a generous amount.

“There was no name with it so I am unable to thank them personally but I’d like to do so through the paper. They’ll know who they are.”

No arrests have been made. The man is white with dark short hair and a longish face. He was clean-shaven and thought to have been in his late 20s.

• Anyone with any information should call police on 01795 419230, quoting reference XY/021845/13, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.