PENSIONER Sheila Pattinson is no ordinary victim of a mugging in broad daylight.

She may be just 5ft, but despite her 'little old lady' appearance, she admits in reality to being "tough as old boots".

Miss Pattinson, who was celebrating her 72nd birthday, was heading for her daily art class in Ashford on Monday, her birthday, when she was struck from behind by her attacker in Northbrooke Lane which leads off Canterbury Road.

She fell to the ground, smashing her glasses and cutting her head, as the mugger snatched her handbag and a carrier off her arm.

Miss Pattinson said: "I roared after him to stop but he ran away. I am rather short-sighted so I didn’t get a good look at him. From behind I look like a frail old lady but if I had seen him coming it would have been a different matter.

"It was a very eventful birthday. I wasn’t planning anything on the day but my friends may have a celebration with me soon."

Miss Pattinson lost her cash, cheque book, credit card and house keys in the cowardly attack.

Help the Aged was contacted and arranged for new locks to be fitted to her home, and she was treated for minor cuts and bruises at the William Harvey Hospital.

Det Sgt Andy Chapman, who is leading the hunt for the mugger, said: "To push an elderly lady over and steal her property is extremely cowardly and I am anxious to gain information about this incident."

Despite her ordeal, Miss Pattinson has vowed to continue to walk along the leafy lane.

She said: "I often use this pathway. It is a lovely walk and it won’t put me off being down there in broad daylight. I think because people don’t often use it, it gave the mugger the perfect opportunity to strike.

"He doesn’t scare me. It might not be a nice expression, but I am tough as old boots."

Anyone who may have seen the mugger or have any information is asked to contact Det Sgt Chapman on 01233 619188.