"I always park opposite the car park entrance so I can see my car before I go in and see if anyone is around.

"And I always have my mobile in one pocket, my house keys in the other and my car keys in my hand so I can get in quickly.

"Following that routine may have saved my life."

She added: "I didn't realise anyone was following me. He asked me for the time and I looked around.

"I knew straightaway that he didn't want to know the time but I didn't have chance to get into my car."

Christine then tried to fight off her attacker and eventually the man fled, taking Christine's handbag with him and leaving her unconscious.

Christine managed to climb into her car and lock herself in, but was unable to call for help for an hour-and-a-half as she drifted in and out of consciousness.

She then dialled 999, but the person on the other end of the line couldn't hear her and asked her to tap on the glass of her phone if she needed an ambulance.

Thinking she wasn't getting anywhere, she decided to call her colleague George Macintyre.

Christine said: "He couldn't hear me either but he could make out the odd word and then had a brilliant idea to call local taxi firm Noda."

After being found by a driver, an ambulance arrived. She was taken to Newcastle General Hospital, having lost a lot of blood.

Police had also gone to her house and had traced her call to within 300yards of where she was attacked.

She is now recuperating at home after undergoing surgery, but is unable to drive as she is still experiencing some double vision.

Christine said: "I feel very well.

"All the good wishes from colleagues and even strangers has had a therapeutic effect.

"Everyone has been absolutely fantastic."