POLICE have praised a feisty 81-year-old who managed to get rid of two doorstep conmen in her home.

The pensioner acted when she realised that two men pretending to be plumbers had walked into her home.

When they asked her to turn on all her taps so they could check the flow she ordered them out of the house in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

The pair went out meekly and she slammed the door before calling the police, who praised her yesterday for her handling of the situation.

Sergeant Bill Dutton said, "The men were obviously intent on stealing, but they were cowards and left empty-handed as soon as this lady stood up to them and told them to leave. She was brave, but we prefer all would-be thieves like these to be kept out of houses."

The men opened an unlocked door and went in before the pensioner met them.

They claimed to be carrying out official checks on the water supply in the area.

The woman got a good look at the face of only one man.

She spent some time with detectives building up an e-fit picture of him which was released yesterday.

The Northern Echo is leading a national campaign to encourage older people to take steps to improve doorstep security and prevent criminals gaining entry. It also aims to outlaw cold-calling for the purpose of property repairs.

Complaints about bogus callers have soared to record levels in the past couple of years.

Sgt Dutton said: "We would advise all elderly people to keep their doors locked and to use security chains. This enables the identity of callers to be checked before they are allowed to enter.

"This is a despicable kind of offence. We don't want to worry elderly people unduly, but it does happen from time to time.

"If they are in any doubt they should call police as quickly as possible."

The men entered the house at 4.45pm last Wednesday, but police carried out a lot of inquiries before releasing details yesterday.

Anyone who saw the men, or recognises the e-fit, is asked to contact Detective Constable Duncan Gill on (01833) 637328.

The man whose e-fit picture was issued was said to be aged 25 to 30, 5ft 3in to 5ft 9in, and of stocky build. He had a round face with red complexion, short dark hair and stubble. He also had a thin moustache.

The pensioner said he had prominent eyes and a friendly smile. He had a Durham accent and wore a hooped T-shirt and blue denim jeans.

The other man was about the same age and height with black wavy mid-length hair brushed back. He was clean shaven with a sallow complexion, and wore a black top and black trousers.