A pensioner who lost the top of a finger after she tried to stop a robber ransacking her home has been overwhelmed by offers of kindness.

Grace Wilks, 79, lost the top of the little finger on her left hand as the result of having it caught between a wardrobe door and the frame as she tried to stop a bare-chested thug stealing money from her Brighton flat.

Since her story appeared in The Argus on Monday, Brighton CID, local businesses and other individuals have rallied round to replace the £260 holiday money stolen.

Miss Wilks, who will be 80 on Tuesday, is still in pain and has eaten little since the attack. She spent two days at the Royal Sussex Hospital recovering.

Yesterday, she was back home and received from Brighton CID.

She said: "I am just overwhelmed at the kindness people have shown. All I can say is thank you."

Brighton businessman Chris Ede, a partner in the Videostar video and game rental company, replaced the £260.

Staff at Brighton police station collected money to buy her flowers and toiletries.

Staff at A-Tec Securities, based in Shoreham, collected £60.

Director Darryl Pledge said: "We read the story and immediately had a whip round so the lady could go on holiday."

Detective Constable Samantha Smith said: "We are very touched at the response we have had to this case."

Ms Wilks's sister Iris, 68, said: "She is still shocked by what happened. I can't believe there are people like that."

Police have carried out forensic tests on the flat and inquiries are continuing.

They are looking for a heavily-built man, aged about 40.