KIND-hearted customers of a butchers in Clayton have raised £500 to replace money stolen from a pensioner in the village.

The 78-year-old woman was mugged by a 14-year-old boy shortly after withdrawing her pension money from the local post office.

The teenager, who cannot be named, stole £200 during the robbery, which happened on Druids Street, on Wednesday at about 11.30am.

He had also robbed a 93-year-old woman in another incident.

Butcher John Summers, whose shop is on Druids Lane, said the woman was one of his customers.

"With the support of Clayton Village we have raised over £500. We would like to thank everyone who kindly donated. What brilliant community support we have had," he said.

"Another customer suggested putting a box on the counter to collect some money.

"Someone came in out of the blue and gave £20, someone has sent her a card, and kids have put their pocket money in. The people of Clayton have been good. Something good has come out of this evil."

One unidentified customer put £200 in the collection pot and also bought a bunch of flowers for the pensioner.

Councillor Carol Ann Thirkill (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green) said: "Clayton's community spirit has come through again and they have rallied together for one of the residents, which they always do. We are very community spirited round here."

"It is very generous of people and something people in Clayton are renowned for. The butcher put a box on the counter and people were putting their change in after they had done their shopping."

Councillor Sinead Engel (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green) said: "It is fantastic.

"It is heartening and it must be comforting for the lady after such an ordeal that people are rallying round. It makes me proud to be associated with the area.

"John Summers Butchers is very involved in community life. It is a lovely thing to do."

Mr Summers said the elderly woman was shaken by the incident, but was not injured.

* A 14-year-old boy was sentenced to 18 months in youth custody after pleading guilty to two robberies, including the one in Clayton, said police. The teenager appeared in court on Saturday to admit the two offences and was sentenced on Tuesday.

The other robbery happened on August 25 in Saint Street, Great Horton, when the teenager stole personal items and a small amount of money from a 93-year-old woman, said police.