Harry Melling was pushed to the ground and had his wallet taken, on the doorstep of his home in the Newtown area of Wigan.

The widower, who once served as a warden at St Mark’s Church in Newtown, said: “It was a shock. It unsettled me for quite a period of time and it has disturbed me.”

Details of the incident at 10pm on Thursday 12th October have only now been emerged, as police urge anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Phil Housley, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “This was a horrific incident, in which a war veteran who served on submarines in WW2, was targeted and robbed in his own home.

“He had just enjoyed a visit from a friend before he was confronted by a man who pushed his way into his house and forcefully robbed him.”

The suspect has been described as 5ft 8in, wearing dark clothing and of medium build.

Recalling the events, Mr Melling said: “I had had a friend in the house. We had been having a drink and a chat and he left. I remember this fellow at the door and after that it was vague.

“However, although I would say that I was afraid at the time, I’m certainly not afraid now. I find that a bit remarkable but it has affected me.

“At 97, you have supposedly seen it all but this was definitely a new thing and I have had to try to overcome it.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 7124, 101 quoting…

Christian Action Research & Education (CARE) put on the P Word Conference in partnership with the Naked Truth Project and it took place at Belfast Bible College from 10am to 4pm.

Prominent church leaders and leading experts gathered to discuss, pray and tackle the issue of pornography.

There were presentations and pre-recorded contributions and delegates were offered practical tools to feel equipped to address pornography in their churches and communities.

There was also a prayer space, set up by 24-7 Prayer for those who wanted to intercede and pray for the issue.

CARE’s Churches Development Officer for Northern Ireland, Tim Houston, said: “Pornography has never been more accessible, affordable, anonymous or addictive.

“Pornography use is widespread in our communities, including in our Churches, and we need to address it due to the damaging impact it can have on those who watch it and those who are in the industry.

“Christians have a long reputation of standing up against harmful norms that have become commonplace in society today. This is another issue that we will not only speak out on, but partner with church leaders to equip them to talk about why we should tackle pornography addiction and pastor people through it.

“P Word resources the church to understand the social costs of pornography and gives leaders the tools needed to address the issue back in their churches and communities, leading to long term, positive change.”

Its governing body, General Synod, will discuss on blessings for homosexual couples after a motion was passed by the Diocese of Hereford’s local synod.

Rt Revd Richard Frith, the Bishop of Hereford, said: “Clergy are already encouraged to respond pastorally and sensitively when approached.

“The motion, which is part of a much wider debate, asks for guidance on materials to be used in affirming and praying with same-sex couples.”

The motion, which was put forward following requests from same-sex couples for a blessing service, suggests parishes should be free to opt out.

While LGBT campaigners expressed their delight, the conservative evangelical group Reform said the vast majority of Christians around the world around still believe marriage should be between one man and one woman.

Director, Suzie Leafe told the BBC: “To ask for a service of prayer and dedication for a same-sex relationship represents a fundamental departure from this teaching.”

But a spokesman from the OneBodyOneFaith group said: “Support for such a motion in a predominantly rural diocese like Hereford reflects what many of our members and supporters know to be true – that in communities across the country, in all kinds of contexts, there is widespread support for affirming same-sex couples, and being alongside them as they experience the joy and blessing of their relationships.”