Times Guardian readers have given generously to a pensioner who was targeted by a thief who took £50 from her purse.

Last week we reported on Jean Paterson, of Davie Close, Sheerness, who was the victim of a Christmas gifts scam.

Last week, five people came separately into our office to ask us to pass on money and cards to the 83-year-old after reading about her ordeal.

All of them asked to be kept anonymous and between them they raised £165.

At the same time, Deacon Pru Cahill at Hope Street Church in Sheerness launched a Facebook appeal to raise money for Mrs Paterson who regularly goes when the church visits the residents of Davie Close.

Her online efforts have so far generated £200 with collections from Sunday’s service still to be counted.

The Times Guardian has passed on the money it received to add to the church’s amount. It will be handed over soon.

• A 41-year-old man from Ramsgate has been arrested in connection with the incident, which took place on November 19, and bailed pending further inquiries until December 16.