A charity has offered to help a 90-year-old woman who had hundreds of pounds stolen from her home by a teenage gang.

The League of Gentleman, a group of businessmen from Basildon and Billericay, stepped in to help Connie Langford after they read in the Echo how she had been left with 75p after the con.

They gave her £50 so she can buy some food before she gets her pension tomorrow, Thursday.

Member Paul Gibson said: "I spotted the article in the Echo and was horrified.

"I told my colleague what had happened and we thought it would be a nice gesture to give her some money and give her the feeling that there are some nice people out there."

Three teenagers tricked their way into Connie's home in Little Lullaway, Laindon last Thursday and stole nearly £500 of her pension money and savings.

Connie, who is still feeling shaky, said: "I would like to say thank you very much to the League of Gentlemen."

Police are looking for two 16-year-old girls in white Puffa-type jackets, with their jeans tucked into suede boots - both had their hair in ponytails. The boy, also around 16 wore a dark coat.

The trio were seen running towards Ballards Walk, Laindon.

Anyone with information should call Basildon police on 01268 532212.