A PENSIONER has spoken of her horror as she woke to find a burglar rifling through her bedside cabinet.

The 81-year-old, who does not wish to be named, has spoken out in the hope that her story will encourage other pensioners to be more vigilant over security.

She said: "I opened my eyes and there he was going through my bedside cabinet. I don't know how I managed because I froze but I just screamed and he ran out as fast as his legs could carry him.''

The woman, who lives in warden controlled accommodation in Shildon, County Durham, caught the intruder when she awoke at 6.10am on Wednesday.

She said that he had not made any attempt to harm her.

"He ran off as soon as I screamed. I wasn't asleep but I did not even hear him open the bedroom door. It was such a shock when I opened my eyes but I got a good look at him and I have been able to give a good description.''

The burglar only managed to get away with £25 cash, a radio cassette and a mobile phone but left the contents of drawers and cupboards strewn across the living room. It is believed he gained entry at the back of the bungalow.

The victim said: " The police, Carelink and family and friends have been very good. They have done everything that they can. I'm not going to let this drive me out of my home. It was hard going to bed last night but I am having a panic alarm fitted and I make sure all my doors are locked.''

The intruder is described as being in his late teens or early twenties, of slim build and about 5ft 9in. He was wearing a navy blue bomber jacket and a blue baseball cap.

Police in Newton Aycliffe revealed that the incident was one of three similar burglaries in the area.

Another pensioner from Shildon woke to find a man in his bedroom in the early hours of yesterday and on Friday last week a pensioner in Newton Aycliffe woke to find he had been burgled during the night.

Detective Constable Annie Brown said: "We would urge people to make sure that their doors and windows are locked and secured before they go to bed on an evening.

"We would also ask anyone who sees anyone suspicious hanging around in the early hours of the morning to call police immediately.''