AN elderly Bishop's Stortford woman who was the victim of a conman has had her garden revamped thanks to kind-hearted police officers.

Kathleen Davidson, 85, handed over £200 cash to a man who called at her Westfield Road home at about 1pm on December 19, claiming to be a tree surgeon. The man offered to cut back several trees before disappearing with the money, saying he needed to get a skip.

He returned a few days later demanding a further £100, but fled after Mrs Davidson threatened to call the police.

Investigating officer PC Philip Roethenbaugh organised a group of volunteers to help carry out the work the conman had promised.

He said: "Having spoken to the victim she was clearly so distressed by what had happened that members of the response team volunteered to do the work themselves.

"Between us we have a knowledge of tree felling and general gardening skills and were looking forward to putting them to good use."

The caller was white, aged about 30, 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build, with short fair hair. He was with a white youth, aged about 17, with light brown hair over his ears and wearing a grey jacket.

It is believed they were driving a shabbily painted white cab dropside lorry with ladders in the back. Any information to the area crime desk on 01992 533002 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.