Two Good Samaritans who came to the aid of an 83-year-old pensioner who lost her way home after visiting a friend have been praised for their action.

Margaret Longworth's disappearance on New Year's Eve sparked a major police search and left her family frantic with worry.

But two friends, haidressers Amrat Bhudia and Kaushalya Gorsia, spotted the pensioner in a confused state on the streets of Bolton and helped to reunite her with her family.

Mrs Longworth's daughter Pat Williams said, "I would like to say an extra special thanks to the two women who found mum and looked after her.

"If it had not been for their kindness and generosity I dread to think what could have happened."

Mrs Longworth had spent the morning shopping with her daughter before returning to her home in Halliwell.

Mrs Williams called back at the house shortly before 12.30pm but found the door was locked. Using her own set of keys, she let herself in but there was no sign of her mother.

She started to search the area but could not find her mother.

She then reported her mother missing to the police and a large-scale search was launched.

Taxi and bus services in Bolton were notified about her disappearance and an appeal was issued.

Mrs Longworth was found walking in the Heaton area by the two hairdressers making their way home from work.

The pensioner told them she was lost and was feeling unwell so 33-year-old Amrat Bhudia and 20-year-old Kaushalya Gorsia took her home and gave her a hot drink.

They then called a taxi for Mrs Longworth and accompanied her on the journey but she was unable to direct the driver to her home.

After an hour, the two women, both of Gilnow Grove, drove her to the police station where she was eventually reunited with her daughter.

Mrs Williams said, "When she got home, she was cold and wet and weary and didn't really understand all the fuss she'd caused." Miss Bhudia, who works at a hairdressers in Heaton with her friend Kaushalya, said, "Mrs Longworth didn't know where she was or how to get home and she was very cold.

"She was very upset. We waited a while for a taxi, as it was New Year's Eve, and when it arrived we drove around for nearly an hour but Margaret couldn't direct the driver to where she lived.

"We then decided it would be best to take her to a police station to see if anyone there could help us get her home.

"We're really glad she's been reunited with her daughter and we're happy we were able to help."

Supt Lee Bruckshaw of Bolton police said, "We had received severe weather warnings for New Year's Eve and had Margaret not been found that evening then the situation could have had a very different outcome."