TWO callous thieves have stolen £3,300 which a housebound penisoner had saved for 10 years to buy herself a wheelchair.

The conmen escaped with the cash after targeting the 77-year-old grandmother at her home in Great Lever, claiming to be an electric company officials.

After one of the thieves had talked his way into the disabled woman's house he distracted her while an accomplice ransacked her bedroom, escaping with the £3,320 she had collected to buy herself a much-needed motorised wheelchair for Christmas.

Last night the elderly woman, who asked not to be named, was too distraught to talk about the incident.

But granddaughter Audrey Robinson said the pensioner, who had no bank account and kept all her savings in a bag, was now afraid to answer the door after the theft.

"My grandmother wouldn't let the man in at first but he forced his way past her," said Mrs Robinson, of Broach Street, Great Lever.

"She'd been saving up for years. She's frightened to death now. She won't let anybody in the house.

"It's disgusting that people can do this. They can't have any conscience. How would they like this to happen to their parents or grandparents?

"I wouldn't like to say what I would do to them if I could get my hands on the people who did this."

And today the bogus call - one of seven around the town in recent days - led to renewed messages from Bolton police to beware of fake callers.

PC Steve Openshaw, Bolton's community safety officer, said: "Bogus callers can appear smart, well-dressed, polite and very convincing.

"They may pose as officials from the council, one of the utility companies or as sales people. Before you allow anyone to enter your home you must ensure they are genuine."

Bolton's old folk are being urged to put a chain on their door to answer calls and check identification, only allowing people into their homes when they are satisfied the visit is genuine.