AN ELDERLY woman had cash stolen from her house after a burglar forced open a door with a stolen spade.

The 89-year-old woman was confronted by the intruder after he broke in to her home in Worston Lane, Great Harwood, on Sunday.

The man, described as a white and wearing bright clothing similar to a workman's uniform, had taken the spade from the woman's shed, at the rear of her house, at around 5pm, and then forced open the back door.

He spoke to his victim before making off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The pensioner had had several calls from canvassers telling her she needed work doing on her home before the break in occurred and police believe there may be a connection.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or any residents who have been approached by canvassers, to call them on 0845 1 25 35 24 or on Crimestoopers anony-mously on 0800 555 111.