A BLIND York pensioner has been robbed of her handbag and white cane by a thief.

But courageous Mary Grainger, 72, insists she will be "carrying on as normal" despite the robbery.

Mary, who has been completely blind for 22 years, was out walking - during the day - when the attack happened.

She told the Evening Press she felt someone in front of her, and, "before I knew it", her bag was being lifted over her head.

"He didn't hit me, grab me or hurt me in any way, he just took the bag. He did it so quickly, I'm convinced he's done it before," Mary said.

The bag contained a small amount of cash, Mary's bus pass, and a collapsible white stick.

The mugger then ran off, leaving Mary and her guide dog, Fred, to make their way home.

She said: "I wasn't scared. I was really angry. That was my bag and he had no right to take it. I decided I just wanted to get home. When I got there my son had come to visit so he called the police."

Mary insists she wasn't scared and now feels determined to carry on with her life.

She said: "While I didn't get much sleep last night I feel fine today.

"There is no way I am letting this ruin my life.

"The way I see it, sadly, is that it is something that can happen to anyone my age, whether they are blind or not."

Mary said she has no real opinion of her attacker. "I didn't get the chance to make one."

But she added: "People say kids steal for drugs these days, but I don't know if I believe that every kid takes drugs.

"Whatever his reason, he did it and there it is. It's time to get on with things now."

A North Yorkshire police spokeswoman praised Mary's brave attitude.

"This was a cowardly attack on an elderly disabled lady," she said.

"Obviously we want to catch whoever is responsible as quickly as possible.

"If you saw or know anything about the incident please contact us immediately," the spokeswoman said.

Mary was mugged at about 4.35pm yesterday, near the shops on Chaloners Road, Dringhouses.

The mugger is described as a white male in his early teens, about 5ft 4in, with black collar-length hair and wearing a black anorak.

Anyone with any information is asked to ring the police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:31 Thursday, September 27, 2001