PEOPLE in a town where a pensioner was mugged at a cash machine are rallying round to help him.

The 83-year-old was pushed to the ground and robbed after withdrawing cash from an ATM on Rennie Street, Ferryhill, at 9.50pm on Saturday night.

Now members of the public have started an appeal in aid of the victim.

Following requests from residents, Ferryhill Town Council said it was happy to coordinate the efforts.

A collection bucket is available at Ferryhill Town Hall until Thursday, December 20. Members of the public can make monetary donations Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 12noon and 1pm to 4pm. There is also a collection point at The Co-Op Food store, on Market Place.

A spokesperson said: "Ferryhill Town Council would like to send its best wishes to the gentleman concerned and his family."

Durham police appealed to witnesses or anyone with information or CCTV which could help investigators to call 101, quoting reference number 510 of December 8.