But she soon found out that true festive spirit was alive and well when big-hearted local market traders heard about her plight.

They had a whip-round and collected £245, which they presented to the 73-year-old along with a card signed by them all and a giant bunch of flowers.

Rosemary was overcome with emotion as market supervisor David Harwood gave her the money, raised by traders on the Monday markets and the farmers' markets held in Fareham's West Street precinct.

She said: 'What the market traders have done for me is lovely – everybody has been very, very kind. I feel very grateful.'

Mr Harwood sprang into action after he heard about the theft when talking to town centre police officers who had been dealing with Miss Press' case.

'I got an immediate response when I told the traders what had happened,' he said.

'They were all pretty shocked and more than happy to contribute in their own little ways. It was a really positive response.

'This sort of crime isn't a regular occurrence around here – Fareham is a very safe place.'

Peter Neal, who runs a plant stall, said: 'It was quite shocking to hear that someone would do something like that.

'It's really not nice at Christmas. Hopefully this will help cheer her up.'

Miss Press, who lives in Fareham, had been buying presents for her family when thieves stole £220 from her purse, which was hanging on her walking frame as she went around Poundland in West Street at about 12.30pm on Friday.

She said: 'When I realised what had happened I felt terrible. I was so shocked. I didn't think people could do something like that.'

>>> Anyone with information should call Fareham police on 0845 0454545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.