A FRAIL pensioner suffered stroke after trying to chase a robber who had snatched her bag.

Molly Bath, 73, has been left paralysed down her right side, after the thief struck as she returned home from a doing a good turn.

Last night, her family were maintaining a vigil at her hospital bedside, hoping she would pull through.

A teenager snatched Mrs Bath's handbag as she was heading home from Peterlee town centre, just before 2pm on Monday.

The tiny mother of five, who lives in the town's Skerne Close, tried to chase the youth but collapsed.

She was taken to Hartlepool General Hospital, where it was confirmed that she had suffered a stroke.

Mrs Bath's shocked husband Bill, 74, who contacted the police after she failed to collect one of her grandchildren from school, said: "It's all very upsetting at the moment. I just feel numb."

A former postal worker, Mr Bath was being supported yesterday by his five adult daughters.

The eldest, Judith Sewell, 59, described her mother, a retired home help, as "gentle and always willing to do anything for anyone".

It was Mrs Bath's generosity which had taken her into the town centre on Monday, to deposit cheques received by one of her grandsons for his birthday.

Two of her other daughters, Vickie Challis and Lynn Jobson, described their mother as only 5ft and barely eight stone in weight.

But all the family said it was typical of her strong spirit to try to challenge her mugger.

The other sisters, Pat Landles and Pam Delicate, were with Mr Bath at their mother's bedside.

"Our mother was very active and kept herself very fit, she was always on the move, but now we just don't know what's going to happen," said Mrs Sewell, who said her mother was unable to talk.

Detective Constable Dave Thompson of Peterlee CID said: "This was a nasty attack on a vulnerable, elderly lady who was just going about her business.

"If there is anyone who has information, who hasn't yet been in touch, we would urge them to contact us as soon as possible on 0191-586 2621."

The robber was described as between 15 and 16 years old, wearing a navy blue jumper and black Adidas tracksuit bottoms with stripes down as far down as the knee.

He had a thin face and mousy-coloured short hair.

Mrs Bath's family expressed their thanks last night to a young man who, although he did not see the actual robbery, heard the pensioner's cries and tried to catch the robber.

Mrs Sewell also praised a couple who had gone to her mother's assistance as she lay helpless on a footpath near Avon Road.