A 75-YEAR-OLD whose pension was stolen in the street has told of his gratitude to a good Samaritan who chased the thieves and retrieved the cash.

The 75-year-old pensioner, who did not wish to be named, said that just before the theft he was not feeling well, and had sat down for a rest in Redcar High Street. That was when he was approached by two young women.

One asked him for a cigarette and, as he handed one to her, the other reached into his bag and snatched the retired seaman's wallet, which contained his pension.

After informing the police the man, who lives alone, returned to his Redcar home to work out how to get through the week.

The next morning the police arrived at his house with the money, minus £10, and his pension book. They said that Steven Smith, director of the Buy and Sell store in Redcar High Street, saw the two women run down the alley by the side of the shop. He gave chase, eventually caught the pair, and told the police.

"I cannot tell you how grateful I am to that man," said the pensioner.

"It has restored my faith in human nature a little bit. I have been robbed before as a younger man in India, Baltimore and other places from when I was a seaman in the Royal and Merchant navies, but you never think it's going to happen in your home town. I thought when I retired I would be free of all that. Anyway, that lad has really done me a good turn."

Mr Smith could not be contacted yesterday. The incident happened on Wednesday, October 2.

Police arrested two women who have since been released on bail. They are still investigating the incident.