A 75-YEAR-OLD whose pension was stolen in Redcar High Street has told of his gratitude to a good Samaritan who chased the thieves and retrieved the cash.

The man, who did not wish to be named, said that just before the theft he was not feeling well and had sat down for a rest.

He was approached by two young women. One asked him for a cigarette and, as he handed one to her, the other reached into his bag and snatched the retired seaman's wallet which contained his pension.

The next morning the police arrived at his Redcar home with the money, minus £10, and his pension book. They said that Steven Smith, director of the Buy and Sell store in the High Street had given chase and eventually caught the pair.

"I cannot tell you how grateful I am to that man," said the pensioner. "It has restored my faith in human nature a little bit. I have been robbed before - in India, Baltimore and other places from when I was a seaman in the Royal and Merchant navies - but you never think it's going to happen in your home town."

The incident happened on Wednesday, October 2.

Two women have been arrested and released on bail. Police are still investigating the incident.