A CRUEL smash and grab handbag snatch has forced frightened elderly domino players to shut up shop after 60 years.

Yobs attacked the Atherton club, throwing bricks through windows as 40 men and women, many in their 70s and 80s, sat inside.

Then one, wearing gloves, reached through a shattered window and snatched two handbags.

Now upset Chowbent Unitarian Chapel whist and dominoes group leader Marion Fildes has decided to call it a day.

She said: "I don't want to be responsible for anyone dying with a heart attack."

Mrs Fildes, 68, of Bolton Road, Atherton has run such meetings in the former Chowbent Unitarian School in Alder Fold Street for the past 30 years.

She and her husband, Eddie, who helps with the organising, were at the event with Mrs Fildes' 90-year-old mother Polly Yates.

Part way through the event, at shortly after 8pm on Saturday, players were horrified when two house bricks were hurled through windows of the old schoolroom where they meet.

But they were stunned when immediately afterwards the thief reached through one of the smashed panes and grabbed two of the players' handbags.

It was the latest in a serious of attacks which persuaded Mrs Fildes to suspend meetings -- unless she can find a more secure location.

Mrs Fildes said : "Everyone was shocked and we're all upset. We're a happy bunch and most members are in their 70s or 80s. My mother has been attending for over half a century.

"I decided to stop meeting because we have had a lot of trouble with vandals. Cars have been damaged and broken in to and one was stolen.

"We have had enough. It caused a lot of distress. If the thieves were caught they would only get a slap on the hand and some community service if it got to court."

And one of the regulars, 78-year-old Jack Pendlebury, of Wardour Street, Atherton, who was there with his 80-year-old wife, Marian, said angrily: "If the culprits realise the grief this has brought to this elderly community I'd like to remind them one day their day will come when they are elderly.

"This pleasurable evening has been discontinued because the organisers quite rightly feel they don't wish to be responsible for the safety of these people.

"If another suitable venue is not found then most people, including myself, might just end up becoming telly addicts."

There is a faint hope that the Saturday games sessions will continue if suitable accommodation can be found with easy access at an acceptable price. Offers should be made on 01942 873956.