A con man stole a great-grandmother's savings when she turned her back to get him a tissue.

Isabella Bacon, 86, from Haywards Heath, had withdrawn £400 from the bank to help her daughter buy a car.

She was tricked by a man who knocked on her door selling household items.

Mrs Bacon bought a first aid kit, a bag for clothes pegs and a pair of secateurs for her garden but as she handed over £27 he asked if he could have a tissue for his cold.

When she nipped to the bathroom he went into her front room, having seen where she kept the money.

Last night, the award-winning gardener said: "I never thought anyone would take advantage like that.

"He was very pale and seemed sick, so when he asked me for a tissue I got him one.

"I only had my back turned for a minute or two. The last thing he said to me was 'You're a very kind woman'."

Normally Mrs Bacon does not keep any money at home.

She said: "I'm very annoyed. It is the most I had ever taken out of the bank.

"My daughter had found a car she wanted to buy the day before and I had got the money out as a surprise.

"I've bought things from other salesmen before.

"I like to buy something from them as they are unemployed and it is better than begging on the street."

The thief was white, 5ft 7in and aged 18 to 20. He had a pale, gaunt face, was clean shaven and wore cream-coloured trousers.

The incident happened on Saturday morning. Anyone with information should call PC Darren Worsfold on 0845 6070999.