A 96-year-old partially sighted widow is making a public appeal in the hunt for a conman who stole her holiday money.

The Crawley woman, who has not been named, had to cancel her holiday after the £1,000 she had saved was stolen.

Today she is attending a police Press conference to make a direct appeal for help in catching a crook officers have condemned as "particularly wicked".

The thief called at her home in Norwich Road, Furnace Green, claiming he needed to take measurements for double glazing.

Once inside he stole the cash, which was all in £20 notes.

The victim, who is partially deaf and only has sight in one eye, discovered the theft after he had gone.

The man was in his 20s, 5ft 6in tall, slim and wore a dark jacket or anorak, black trousers and a blue baseball cap with white writing on the front.

Detective Constable Kevin Parker said: "This would be a sad crime at any time. But bearing in mind this was meant to be the lady's holiday money, it makes it particularly wicked."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Parker on 0845 6070999.