HAVE-a-go granny Ruby Miller today thanked the kind-hearted people who have sent her money to replace the cash she lost when a thief stole her purse in a supermarket.

By Richard Cornwell

HAVE-a-go granny Ruby Miller today thanked the kind-hearted people who have sent her money to replace the cash she lost when a thief stole her purse in a supermarket.

Plucky pensioner Mrs Miller has become a celebrity since the story of how she tackled the thief featured exclusively in the Evening Star - and has since been interviewed on regional TV and radio.

The publicity has led to a number of anonymous donations from well-wishers wanting to help.

Mrs Miller, an 85-year-old great-grandmother said: “People have been very kind and I cannot thank them enough really. Sainsbury's also didn't charge me for my shopping on the day of the theft, and every little helps.

“Everyone appears to be talking about me everywhere I go and it seems quite strange but also quite nice - I don't mind a bit.

“So many friends and family have been in touch so see how I am and wishing me well.”

Mrs Miller was shopping in Sainsbury's at Warren Heath when a woman 50 years her junior sneakily stole her purse from her handbag, which was tied to her supermarket trolley.

The pensioner quickly realised what had happened and chased the thief through the store. She caught up with her and confronted her - but the woman became threatening and abusive and left the store, where she met a man and ran off.

Mrs Miller's purse contained a quantity of cash and papers - it was later found empty.

Her disabled husband Stanley was waiting in their car outside the store in Felixstowe Road , unaware of the commotion.

Mrs Miller said: “I think the publicity will make people very aware of this woman so she will not be able to steal anyone else's purse, and hopefully it will help the police to catch her.”

The offender is described as white, in her late 20s to early 30s, medium to well-built, around 5ft 6ins tall, with “dirty” blonde shoulder length hair and wearing a dark coloured bodywarmer.

Anyone with information about the offender, or who witnessed the incident, which happened between 12.30pm and 1.10pm on Monday March 12, is asked to call Felixstowe police on 01473 613500.

What do you think of Mrs Miller's actions? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk