A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER tricked out of her life savings by doorstep conmen says she now faces a penniless Christmas.

Hilda Wilson, 81, had saved up nearly £9,000 in cash over the years to help her pay for a kitchen conversion and her great-grandchildren's Christmas presents.

But her nest-egg was stolen from under her by thieves who conned their way into her home in Merring Close, Stockton, on Wednesday.

Posing as a plumber, one man fooled Mrs Wilson into letting him into her home, and before she realised they were frauds, made off with the cash.

Now Mrs Wilson, who has always prided herself on her independence, says she has suffered sleepless nights and worries constantly about making ends meet.

She said: "I had been saving that money up for a long time - it was my life savings to be truthful.

"I hope he feels good for himself and that his own mother is very proud."

Mrs Wilson says she initially told the man to go away when he called through her letterbox asking if 'Darren' was there.

Moments later, he appeared with a teenage accomplice and began to bang on her living room window saying he needed to get in to check the water pressure.

Once in the house, he went with her to check the taps in the bathroom. It was then that Mrs Wilson believes his accomplice sneaked into the living room and took the cash, which was in a purse next to the sofa.

Moments later, the pair had gone, and took with them Mrs Wilson's life savings and her chance for a happy Christmas and New Year.

She added: "I have no money for Christmas or anything now. I have eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and now I can not afford to even buy them a card.

"This is the worst Christmas I have ever had. I haven't even got any cake or drink in.

"It has also taken a toll on my health. I am staying up all night shaking, worried someone else might come."

Police officers are still investigating the burglary, which occurred at about 6pm on Wednesday.

Anyone with information on the theft, including the whereabouts of a savings book that was also taken, is asked to call (01642) 326326.