A 91-YEAR-OLD widow left traumatised by three burglars who pushed their way into her home has had her faith in human nature restored, by the kindness of a Salisbury man.

Doris Woods, who had several hundred pounds in cash and her handbag stolen when three young men burst into her Farley Road home in early January, has been sent a cheque for £100 by a generous Journal reader.

The man, who asked not to be identified, told the Journal in a letter that he hoped the money would go some way to help the elderly victim over her ordeal.

When the Journal took the cheque and the letter to Mrs Woods, she said: "I am very touched.

"I can only say thank you.

"It does help me get over what happened - not because of the money but because it shows there are still kind people around. It is a very thoughtful and kind gesture."

Mrs Woods was burgled just before noon on January 4, after she went to her front door believing her daughter, Hilary Dixon, had arrived to take her into Salisbury to bank money from Christmas presents and other cash.

But instead of her daughter, there were three men at the door, who pushed roughly past her, knocking her over as they went into the living-room, grabbed her handbag and rushed out, heading for Waterloo Road.

Although shaken and suffering pain from being pushed to the floor, Mrs Woods was able to get to her phone and dial 999. Police arrived in moments and Mrs Woods is full of praise for the help they gave her.

The memory of that day will not go away, Mrs Woods told the Journal this week.

She said: "Every time I go near the front door, I see those louts towering above me.

"I feel intimidated every time I go out, even though I shouldn't - and particularly when I see a group of youths."

Mrs Woods said she never normally had much money in the house.

"I think they were opportunist thieves and happened to be in the area," she added.

"I also don't think they were English because they were shouting and it didn't sound like English to me."