A pensioner has told how "an angel in disguise" came to her assistance after she had her purse stolen by thieves.

Joan Easter, 86, was shopping in Clacton town centre when the purse was snatched from her bag in Marks and Spencer.

She only discovered the theft when she went to get her bus pass out to visit a friend on her way home.

The store was the only one she had been in and she went back to see if anyone had handed it in.

While she was explaining what had happened, a woman who she had never seen before came up and gave her £60.

"There was only £10 in my purse in cash but the woman insisted that I took all the money," said Mrs Easter, who lives in Frinton.

"I could hardly believe it and it certainly restores your faith in human nature when someone shows you such kindness."

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Published Wednesday, February 22, 2006

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