AN elderly woman has become the latest victim of heartless thieves who target pensioners.

The 91-year-old was at home in Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, when a man and woman knocked on the door.

The female, said to be a 'look-alike' of television actress Lisa Goddard, was wearing dark clothing.

Her male companion, described as slim with a very narrow face, asked for water for his car radiator and while the old woman's attention was distracted, one of the thieves got into the kitchen area and stole two gold rings, valued together at £1,000, from the window sill.

One has five diamonds and the other is decorated with white and pink stones.

It is thought the same man called at the house a week earlier, asking if he could clean shoes.

Police are appealing for information about the incident which happened about 8pm on Friday but was only reported to the police later.

Det Sgt Derek Jones said: "This was a despicable offence involving a woman in her nineties.

"We would like to hear from anyone with information or from anyone who may have been approached in similar circumstances."

Calls should be made to Nelson CID on 01282 472645 or in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.