A DETERMINED great-grandmother clung on to her handbag when a teenager made a grab for it.

The 73-year-old, who used to work as a sewer in local mills, spotted the dark skinned youth walking towards her after she left Facit Post Office in Market Street.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "I saw this youth aged about 18 or 19 and he sort of smiled at me and seemed pleasant. I suppose it was to put me at ease. Then he just lunged at my bag and grabbed at it, pushing me.

"One of the two straps on my bag broke and my arm was wrenched. When he realised he wasn't going to get away with it, he just ran off into a car which was waiting nearby."

The pensioner said there were other people in the street at the time of the incident on Thursday afternoon and she hoped that by her speaking out they might recall seeing the car and contact the police.

She said: "I wasn't frightened by it, it all happened in a minute and I am fine about it. My arm hurts and I can't lift anything with it.

"They had obviously been watching the post office for some time. I am very concerned that they may try to do this again. I am quite fit for my age and I think I gave him a bit of a shock.

"But they may be watching other post offices or cash points and may try it again."

Detective Sergeant Stuart Barlow said: "The strap on the bag broke when it was grabbed and the man ran off into an old style, metallic gold coloured car which he drove off towards Rochdale.

"Perhaps someone was in the area and noted the registration number of the car. I am appealing for anyone who saw this vehicle to contact Rossendale CID 01706 237442."

The offender is 18, dark skinned, 5ft 10in, and wore a fawn coloured jacket and a cap.