EFFORTS are underway to return some of the lost life savings of an elderly Penarth woman, conned by her taxi driver.

Last week, The Penarth Times reported how driver Christopher Owen, of Fieldview Close, was jailed for stealing £43,000 from Dilys Jones.

The 48-year-old used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle and support a spiralling gambling habit, which - in an emotional interview - Ms Jones said had left her feeling heartbroken and "betrayed".

After facing Owen in court, where he received a three-and-a-half year jail sentence for his crimes, Ms Jones said she felt she could finally start putting the ordeal behind her - but it is unlikely she will ever see her money again.

Now though, kind residents and business owners - disgusted by the news - have begun a campaign to get some of her savings back.

Katrina Dimech, who owns the photography business, Shutter Hire on Windsor Road, was the firs to decide to do something about it.

Miss Dimech, who owns the photography business Shutter Hire on Windsor Road, said: "Having read the story I was angered by it. I then saw the photograph and realised she used to live with my gran.

"She is a lovely woman and I couldn't believe what happened to her so I wanted to restore her faith in humanity."

Ms Jones lives in sheltered accommodation and suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, has difficulty walking, and a disabled arm.

Owen had been her trusted friend for 14 years, but began using her bank card, writing cheques in her name and transferring money into his account without her knowledge, until she had nothing left.

She was left relying on food banks.

But when the 62-year-old found out about the fundraising page fro her, she said she cried tears of joy.

She said: "I was overjoyed. To think that someone could be so kind to think of me and someone in my situation.

"I now realise that there are some nice people in Penarth. I can't get my head around this kind and generous act."

Miss Dimech added: "A couple of years ago I had thousands of pounds worth of equipment stolen and I remember how the people of Penarth helped me.

"Penarth has a beautiful community which consists of mostly caring, honest, intelligent and friendly people.

"We don't tolerate thieves and we certainly don't tolerate bullies.

The page, which was set up on Friday, has raised hundred of pounds already, in a bid to raise an initial £2,000.

To donate to the cause visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/dilys-jones