A FRAIL pensioner has said a heart-felt public thank-you to a group of builders who rallied round to help after she was robbed.

Callous young thieves tricked their way into Phyllis Nuttall's home and stole her purse containing about £50 and her door key.

Construction workers at a nearby building site sprang into action as they watched the 88-year-old's neighbours chase the youths down Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever. But the thieves managed to escape. Builder Gary Slater, who led the charge, said: "I ran for about a mile down but I couldn't find them or the purse.

"I wish I could have caught them."

Gary, 31, who is working for Blackburn firm Noblet Plant Hire, sub-contracted to Bethel Civil Engineering, said: "I think it's only what any decent person would have done."

Later other builders at the site organised a whip-round to replace nearly all of the money that was stolen. Grateful Phyllis handed Gary a hand written thank-you letter. In it she said: "Thanks lads, it's nice to know some people still care, love Phyllis."

Neighbours Janet Barnes and Eunice Wood have rallied round to help Phyllis together with her niece Marion Bryson. Phyllis's locks have now been changed to block the thieves returning.

Mrs Bryson said: "I'm angry at the people who conned my aunt but I think its lovely what the building site lads have done."

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