A pensioner whose lucky clover was stolen has had it replaced by a kind-hearted stranger.

Doreen McKeown, 76, of Bicester, had been shopping in Sainsbury's superstore, in Kidlington, about two weeks ago when her purse was stolen.

It contained her week's pension and a four-leaf clover which she had kept since she was 14.

But after reading about the incident in the Oxford Mail, an anonymous well-wisher sent her a letter with a replacement clover and £20. The letter said: "Dear Doreen, here is a four-leaf clover from my garden and something to replace the money you lost."

Mrs McKeown, who lives with her disabled husband Robert, 89, wanted to thank the donor.

She said: "I was so touched that somebody could be so thoughtful. That meant so much to me.

"I'd just like to say 'thank you' to whoever it was."

She said it restored her faith in people.

Mrs McKeown had been grocery shopping when the theft happened. She had not realised her purse had gone until she went to pay. Fortunately her chequebook was in another part of her handbag.

It was the second theft in a week at the Sainsbury's store.

Alan Green, duty store manager at Sainsbury's, said the store was protected by CCTV cameras and people were warned over the public address system to be careful about handbags and purses.