A MAN has put a £500 reward on the head of a thief who stole cash from his 87-year-old mother.

Grandmother-of-twelve Ellen Mills -- who is frail and partly deaf -- allowed the thief into her home in Victory Road, Little Lever, believing him to be a relative.

The thief then snatched Mrs Mills' handbag containing house keys and a small amount of cash as she made a cup of tea. The incident left her shaken and scared.

Mrs Mills' son Maurice today branded the thief "disgraceful" and is now offering a £500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the callous thief.

It was the third time in three years thieves have targeted the pensioner, whose husband Mark, a former soldier who served in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War, died seven years ago.

Mr Mills, aged 55, of Birch Avenue, Little Lever, said: "He came around the back of the house and waved at her. She let him in thinking he was one of her 12 grandchildren

"When she opened the door he burst in and went into the living room and stole her purse.

"She is a bit shaken but she has not been hurt. She did not know who it was and was confused.

"It is the third time in three years but the other times have been when she was in bed. My dad's war medals and rings were stole last time.

"This person needs to be caught. There are so many people now who prey on old people so this might be a bit of an incentive to get people to come forward and help. People who prey on the elderly are disgraceful."

A police spokesman today confirmed officers are investigating the Crime which happened at 3.30pm on Monday.

Anyone with information is asked contact police on 0161 872 5050 or call Crimestoppers on the free phone 0800 555 111.