AN elderly woman who had more than £100 stolen from her at a funeral says she has refused to let the thief's actions get her down.

The 86-year-old, who asked not to be named, was attending the funeral of a former neighbour and friend at St James Church in Accrington town centre on Tuesday.

As the funeral cortege started to leave the church to go for burial, a man told her the vicar, the Reverend Simon Mansfield, wanted to talk with her.

She said: "I had only been to the church once before so I thought that was a little strange but thought that he had maybe remembered me, so I followed the man to the choir vestry.

"He said he would hang my handbag up for me and I told him that it would stay with me but he took it and turned his back while he hung it up."

The man then left and when she retrieved her bag she realised that he had stolen a navy blue lady's purse with £45 cash and a white envelope containing more than £100. She said: "I wasn't upset, as I'm stronger than that and there are more important things than money.

"I was more concerned really about the family of my friend finding out and being upset that it happened there. I don't think that he would be stupid enough to come back and do it again, though"

After the incident she realised that a cheque for £220 was still in the bag so was able to make her way home to Clayton-le-Moors and telephone police. Police have appealed for witnesses who may have seen the man before or after the service to call Accrington CID on 01254 353741 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

He is described as white, 17 to 20, 5ft 7inch, slim, with short dark hair and clean shaven, wearing blue clothing including a jumper

Detective Sergeant Mark Rothwell said: "I am appalled that anybody should be targeted in their 80s but for somebody to target them while they are attending a funeral defies belief. I never cease to be amazed at the lengths some people will go to for a small financial gain."

Gorden Whewell, publicity officer for The Accrington Team Ministry of Christ the King, said: "This was a despicable crime which was very uncaring for the people that were in a sense of remorse on occasion of the funeral."