A woman who won a tug of war with a mugger for possession of her handbag, says she does not know where she found the strength to put up a struggle.

Lynn Thompson, 54, who has a weak heart and bad leg, said: "I am surprised I put up a struggle, as I think I would normally have just collapsed in a heap.

"But I was worried about my house keys being in my bag and I just focused on my house keys.''

She thought better of trying to contact Cleveland Police on her mobile telephone, in case the thief grabbed that, so instead she shouted for help to passers-by.

At that the crook bolted, the strap of the handbag snapping off in his hand as Mrs Thompson maintained her grip on the bag.

It was only because Mrs Thompson decided to make an effort to go out over Easter, she decided to have an evening at the Western Social Club in central Middlesbrough, setting off just minutes ahead of her husband.

The thief, who is about five feet, seven inches tall, and has a dark, tanned complexion initially walked past her before attacking her from behind, on Union Street, near its junction with St Paul's Road, Middlesbrough, at about 6.20pm on Easter Monday.

Mrs Thompson said: "I am frightened. It is frightening; you don't expect that to happen so early in the evening, in broad daylight.''

The mugger had a rucksack which had white lettering, on his back. Witnesses are asked to contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 326326.