AN elderly rape victim has spoken out to thank the local community for helping her through her ordeal.

The 87-year-old from Willington, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, said she could not have managed without kind words of support from everyone.

The pensioner, who does not want to be identified, said she received so many cards and flowers that she could not mention everyone by name.

She said: "I have lived in Willington since I was 18 so everybody knows who I am.

"They have all been so good to me. Even the police sent me a big bunch of flowers.''

The pensioner praised staff at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, where she was treated for four days, and staff at the Parklands Home, Crook, where she stayed for six weeks to recover.

She said: "They were lovely with me, I don't know what I would have done without them.''

She also thanked housing officers at Wear Valley District Council and Home Housing for finding her a home elsewhere in the town.

She said: "So many people have been kind to me. I could not have wished for better and I would like to thank them all.''

Tony Plews, 22, of Lincoln Drive, Willington, pleaded guilty to rape and a further offence of robbery in connection with the incident on March 20, when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court on June 19.

He has been remanded in custody while waiting for sentence