BRAVE pensioner Nora Allen has vowed she will not let the cowardly thug who gave her two black eyes ruin her life.

The 84-year-old suffered the shocking injuries when a man snatched her handbag as she walked through Chalfont St Giles in broad daylight on Monday.

But Nora, known in the village as Bunty, has hit back and said: "I'm not going to be made a prisoner in my own home. I'm not nervous about going out I'm not going to let this change my life.

"But it's disgusting that people can target vulnerable people like this."

Bunty, who uses a walking stick, was on her way to lunch at the Merlin's Cave pub, Main Road, Chalfont St Giles, when a man ran up behind her and grabbed her handbag.

She explained: "The first I knew about it was when a man ran up behind me and pulled my handbag up over my head. I fell over in the gutter and he ran off.

"I hit my head on the pavement and that's how I got the black eyes."

Since the attack, a doctor has told Bunty she will have the black eyes for about three weeks.

She added: "They don't hurt but they just look so awful."

Alison Bonass, the landlady of the Milton's Head pub, Deanway, Chalfont St Giles, rushed to help Bunty after a passing builder raised the alarm.

Mrs Bonass said: "Bunty is very well-known in the village and when I saw her on the ground I ran over to sort her out. I took her in the pub for a drink and then the police came and took her home."

She added: "It's just not on to do that to an elderly lady. This is a close-knit community so it can't be anyone local."

The attacker was seen to run off towards the village High Street clutching the handbag. He is described as white, tall and of slim build. He had mousy hair and was wearing casual clothing.

Any witnesses should call PC James Burken on (01494) 465888.