AN 80-year-old Wythall woman has warned motorists to be on their guard after her handbag was stolen from the front seat of her car on Friday.

Wythall Parish Councillor Charlotte Webb was pulling out of a layby in Station Road at about 11am when a man approached the passenger side of her car, opened the door and snatched her bag.

He then ran off with the bag, which contained a mobile phone, cash, credit cards, a diary and some medication.

Mrs Webb, who is also a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator, said: "I am still in a state of shock. I want to warn people so the same thing doesn't happen to them.

"People should be vigilant and never leave handbags on the front seat."

Mrs Webb said she had just picked up a prescription from the chemist opposite the layby and believes she was watched by the thief before he struck.

"It's such an inconvenience having to stop all the credit cards and I'm lost without my diary," she added.

The man was white, aged in his late 20s, of medium build, and about 5ft 8ins tall.

A police spokesman said: "We are appealing for witnesses and information.

"We believe there would have been a lot of people around the area at the time and we would ask if they saw anything to contact us on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."