A 99-year-old great-grandmother left penniless after thieves posing as workmen ransacked her house has been overwhelmed by the kindness of Ham&High readers who have donated more than £1,500 for her annual holiday.

Retired waitress and cleaner Edith Sell, who has lived in Dartmouth Park nearly all her life, lost £4,500 worth of cash and jewellery during the distraction burglary earlier this year.

But after widow Mrs Sell spoke about her ordeal in the Ham&High last week, this newspaper launched a fundraising campaign for the pensioner via the Crowdfunder website, which has so far raised £1,540.

The money will allow Mrs Sell to enjoy her annual break to Norfolk, paid for before the burglary, next month. She has holidayed at the in Norfolk every year since 1947.

Reacting to the news, she said: “From the day I was born, I’ve never had anything given to me. I’ve worked all my life.

“I’m speechless, I would never have thought that anyone could have done this.

“I really don’t know what to say: thank you, thank you!”

If you wish to support Mrs Sell, click here.