A PENSIONER attacked by a knife-wielding gang of thugs in South Africa landed home relieved today and said: "All I want is a decent cuppa."

Katleen Strachan, 72, of Colne, has been told she will suffer from diabetes for the rest of her life as a result of the attack and was due to be taken to Burnley General Hospital for further treatment.

Her son Donald, 36, also of Colne, said he was relieved to have his mother home and revealed how the South African Tourist Board paid for Kathleen's flight to be upgraded to first class.

Kathleen, who was accompanied by a nurse on board the flight, said: "I am just glad to be at home now so I can enjoy a decent cuppa. I was treated like royalty on the plane. I was offered wine and luxury treats but that will never compensate for what happened. I will never be going back to that country."

The disabled grandmother was assaulted as she walked to a railway station in Kraaifontein, 25 miles from the capital Cape Town, with her daughter Lynn Daley. She suffered a broken shoulder and facial injuries.

Donald said: "It is lovely to see her, she is very bruised and sore but she is all smiles and she is okay which is the main thing."

Mrs Strachan, was travelling by rail because her daughter's car had broken down.

She was pushed to the floor by a gang of six or seven youths at 6.15am on Friday, but was unable to break her fall because she suffers congenital paralysis in her arms.

The thugs stole a watch, necklace, a purse containing £1,000 and her passport. Donald said police are still investigating the incident, but have not found his mother's attackers.