A businessman is offering a £1,000 reward to catch two burglars who attacked a Portland pensioner.

The man, who wants to remain anonymous, came forward with the cash after reading about the crime in the Dorset Echo.

The burglars held down the terrified 76-year-old woman when she disturbed them in the early hours of Saturday morning.

They then fled after raiding her Weston Road home for her life savings.

Portland's deputy mayor Sandy West said: "This businessman read the article in the Echo and wants to put up a £1,000 reward for any information leading to the conviction of the burglars.

"He is a very generous man and does a lot for charity but he's very publicity-shy and doesn't want to be named.

"He came forward saying he was just appalled by the incident. Like everyone, he was shocked that it had happened in our close-knit community and felt it was despicable."

She added: "It's appalling when you've been burgled and you don't know who did it.

"If they're not caught you are left with that fear in the back of your mind that they could come back again.

"And because of the nature of this burglary, this woman must have been absolutely terrified. For her sake - and for the sake of everybody else on Portland - it's important these people are caught.

"If they get away with holding an old lady down in her own home, who knows what could happen next time?

"I think this reward is a brilliant idea.

"I appreciate how difficult it would be to report a friend or a member of your family, but this was a vulnerable old lady and it's really important to bring some closure to this and reassure people that this sort of thing cannot be allowed to happen on Portland."

The two culprits are described as aged between 20 and 30 - one being thinner than the other. Anyone with information about the crime is urged to contact police in confidence on 01305 222 222.