A DISABLED war veteran and his wife today told of their anguish after theives stole their life savings and said: "They have taken away our dignity."

Two bogus social services workers conned their way into the home in Ribblesdale Avenue, Accrington, which Harry Birch shares with his partially blind and deaf wife Gladys, claiming they were visiting to see if they could do any odd jobs.

Gladys, 89, who needs two walking sticks to move around, innocently prepared cups of tea for the thieves, who struck following a series of similar incidents in the area.

Police described the crime as despicable and urged people to help them catch the people responsible.

The couple were about to use the money, believed to be several thousand pounds, to buy a chairlift to prevent Harry being isolated downstairs. They were also hoping to buy a new sofa designed to make life more comfortable for them.

Part of the cash was a £200 winter fuel payment which had only been cashed hours before the theft.

Some of the money had been put on one side to pay for Christmas presents for grandchildren and cash had also been put aside to help celebrate Gladys' 90th birthday next month.

Harry, who has not been able to walk upstairs for three years due to his weak legs and is virtually a prisoner in his own living room, discovered the theft when he saw them running down the street -- taking his last hope of independence with them.

Harry, 80, said: "I turned to Gladys and said: "We've been conned. They've taken the lot."

Harry, who served in the RAF for 11 years from 1938 to 1949 and then became a nurse, said today: "I just keep mulling it over and over in my mind because I can't believe it has happened and I haven't slept since.

"They seemed so genuine but they knew exactly what they were doing, distracting my wife and then preventing me from seeing what they were up to.

"It's all gone. It is not as if that was money we had to spare. "That girl was so young but she was just a hard-faced bitch."

Gladys, who is due to celebrate her 90th birthday next month with her two children and seven grandchildren, added: "It has had Harry in tears and nothing should push a man to that.

"How do we tell the grandchildren the money we had put on one side for their Christmas presents is gone?"

Detective Inspector Bob Eastwood said: "It's despicable. Crimes like this are very hard to take in.

"This was against an elderly couple who trusted the people who came to their door.

"Unfortunately, they were expecting a visit which is why they let them in."

Several incidents involving bogus callers have been reported recently. Mr Eastwood added: "It is of prime importance that elderly people ensure they know who they are letting into their homes.

"If the people are who they say they are, they will have ID with them."

The police are currently trying to arrange support for the couple from the RAF Welfare Association.

The girl involved was described as white, aged 15-17 years, of medium height and build. She had shoulder length dark hair which was tied back, possibly in a bun.

The man is described as being in his 30s, also of medium height and build with short black hair. He was wearing an anorak and dark trousers.

Anyone with any information can call Accrington CID on 01254 353741 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in confidence.