It was youngsters who took Connie Langford's money away - but it was another who helped give it back.

Big-hearted Rebecca O'Connell has spent her hard-earned pocket money on raffle prizes after reading about the plight of Mrs Langford, 90.

Rebecca was so upset she decided to hold a raffle to raise funds for Mrs Langford, after three teenagers stole nearly £500 from her by tricking their way into her home nearly three weeks ago.

The ten-year-old has been selling tickets to her classmates during her lunch break at St Anne Line school in Wickhay, Basildon. Deputy headteacher Ann Robinson said: "I found a note on my desk from Rebecca with the article attached asking if we could do something for Connie.

"I suggested a raffle and before I knew it she had spent her pocket money on a £10 voucher from Toys R Us."

Mrs Langford, who was left with 75p, was very touched to hear about Rebecca's fundraising efforts.

She said: " I would like to say thank you very much indeed, people have been so kind. I think it's lovely that Rebecca has spent her pocket money to help me out - I'm very grateful."