A 90-year-old Westgate woman who bravely stood up to a con man has issued a warning to others. The elderly pensioner agreed to let a stranger uproot two shrubs from her garden but was amazed when he later handed her a scribbled bill asking for £125.

The pensioner agreed to pay, even though the address and telephone number on the bill were obviously made up, but the following day the man returned demanding another £100.

The elderly lady gave the man £70 in cash but friends, neighbours and relatives lay in wait for the con man after he threatened to return the next day. When he did appear the pensioner refused to open the door and when friends and relatives began taking photographs of the man he ran off. Talking about the incident, the elderly resident said: "He was obviously trying to take advantage of me because of my age but he was wrong to think I was a push over. I know I've been conned but it could have been worse and I'd like to warn others to be on their guard."

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