KIND-hearted police in Guisborough brought a smile to the face of an elderly burglary victim.

Thieves who raided Mrs Muriel Clements' home last Friday took £300 in cash. Officers investigating the incident found out the 81-year-old is a lifelong Middlesbrough football supporter and has even held season tickets for Ayresome Park.

But Mrs Clements confessed she had never made it to the Riverside stadium or to any match since her husband died some years ago.

Thinking they could cheer her up, WPC Jackie Fieldhouse and PC John McKay rang the club and arranged for two complimentary tickets and a VIP parking pass for Mrs Clements and her nephew for Saturday's match against West Ham.

Mrs Clements said: "I had a cracking day out thanks to the police and the football club. It was great to visit the Riverside stadium at last and our win was the icing on the cake."

Sgt Richard Schofield of Guisborough police said: "It is always distressing to see vulnerable older people on the receiving end of such a despicable crime and I am just glad my officers were able to get together with the club and brighten Muriel's day a little."

Police have descriptions of the men they think are responsible for the burglary at Charltons Garth.

The first is white, aged 16 to 19, 5ft 6in tall, with dark hair, a thin build and is thin faced with a split lip. He was wearing a light coloured anorak, white baseball cap and dark trousers.

The second is a white teenager, 5ft tall, tubby, with short dark hair and tanned skin. He was wearing a white designer top.

The third is white, aged 16, 5ft 4in with short blond hair. He was wearing a Diadora-type yellow tracksuit top.

The youths were seen to make off along Bolckow Street towards the Jet garage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the officers at Guisborough police station on 01642 302026.