A BRAVE 95-year-old today spoke of the horrific moment when a thug threw her to the floor and assaulted her during a vicious robbery at her home.

And the pensioner, who was too scared to be identified, revealed that throughout her ordeal she prayed the man wouldn't take her lifeline to the outside world -- her bus pass.

Police said the pensioner was in her house in Ruskin Place, Nelson, at 4.40pm on Saturday when she was subjected to 'a horrendous ordeal'.

A man with his face covered, possibly with a white scarf, forced his way in to her home and ran towards her.

He got hold of the elderly woman and threw her on the floor while he searched the house.

The man threatened her and asked for her money but fled from the house with a black zip top leather-effect purse containing £20, a set of keys -- and the bus pass she relies on to get about.

He was described as white, 5ft 10ins, thin build and was wearing dark clothing.

The pensioner was taken to Burnley General Hospital for treatment after suffering from shock and bruising to her arms but was recovering at home today.

She said: "I was sitting at the door between the living room and kitchen and he came through the back door which was unlocked. I asked him what he wanted and I got up out of the chair and he knocked me on the floor.

"I kept trying to get up but every time I tried he pushed me back down again. I've got bruises on my arms and legs and back is aching as well. "I was very frightened because I was wondering what he was going to do. He said he wanted my money and jewellery but I said 'I'm a pensioner, I don't have any money'.

"He must have gone in the front room without me seeing him because when I came to get my purses a bit after he had gone they'd both disappeared. I was worried about my bus pass because I go out a lot and need it to get the bus.

"I keep all my doors locked now. I'm taking no chances again. You hear about these things happening but I have never experienced anything like that before."

Det Insp Steve Chard said: "If anyone has seen someone of this description in the area they should contact us as soon as possible as it was a very nasty incident."

Anyone with information should contact Nelson CID on 01282 472643 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.