A PENSIONER today spoke of the terrifying moment he woke in the middle of the night to find a burglar in the room.

But defiant Frank Miller, 88, today refused to be frightened in his own home and brushed his ordeal aside.

He spoke openly about the incident and said: "I want to see this man caught so he can't put anyone else through the same ordeal."

The former Lucas Engineering worker was asleep in the front room of his house in Beverley Street, Burnley, when he was disturbed by a man rifling through a chest of drawers.

Mr Miller, who has lived in Burnley for the last 30 years, said the intruder said nothing to him but grabbed six packets of cigarettes and £21 cash before fleeing.

Police have launched a hunt for the intruder and described the crime, which happened in the early hours of Monday, as 'despicable.'

Mr Miller, a motor driver before he retired, said: "I sleep downstairs because I have trouble walking and using the stairs. I was fast asleep, but something must have disturbed me because I woke up to find this man in the house and going through my drawers.

"It was quite a scary experience, although I was more curious as to how he had got in.

"He didn't say anything to me or touch me in any way. He just took my cigarettes and some money and climbed out through the window."

Det Sgt Steve Mounsey, of Burnley CID, said: "This was a despicable crime on an elderly and defenceless man and we are keen to catch this burglar before he can strike again. I would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us to help us apprehend him."

Anyone with information can call Burnley CID on 01282 472142 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.