A thieving couple who targeted pensioners could face prison after being caught thanks to the Bolton Evening News.

The husband and wife pleaded guilty in court after they were identified through the paper, which published CCTV images of them snatching a 73-year-old pensioner's purse in a shop.

In response police were inundated with calls identifying the pair.

Appearing before magistrates the couple, originally from the Czech Republic, admitted the offence and asked for nine others to be taken into consideration.

The prosecutor told the court: "The Bolton Evening News published these pictures and numerous telephone calls were received saying the people in the pictures were the two defendants."

A search warrant was executed at the couple's home and items were found which linked them to a string of robberies which they admitted.

After the hearing, Det Sgt Martin Bell, of Bolton CID's dedicated robbery unit, said: "These were despicable and cowardly crimes which targeted elderly people.

"We had a very good response from Bolton Evening News readers. They played a vital part in making sure that these two weren't able to continue targeting people across the town."

Sentencing was adjourned but magistrates said "all options, including custody" would be considered.