A special forces veteran in his 80s was jumped by a cowardly mugger and robbed of his treasured diving watch.

Frank Marchington, 83, served with the elite Special Boat Service in danger spots around the world in the 1950s and 60s.

But the pensioner, from Failsworth, was attacked from behind by a thug who punched him in the head and stole his wallet and Omega watch, worth £4,000. Former Royal Marine Frank was walking on Lord Lane near his home when he was attacked at about 9pm on Monday. Now his family has appealed for help to catch the culprit and recover the watch.

Frank, a father of three and great-grandfather, bought the watch while serving in Bahrain.

His son-in-law, Brad Wharton, said: “Frank was attacked from behind and thrown to the ground. Then his wallet and his beloved Omega watch, which he has had from his days with the Royal Marines and SBS, were stolen.

“The watch is worth about £4,000, but it has massive sentimental value.”

Veteran Frank - who served in countries including Malta and Singapore - has told his family he had a pint in the Windmill before heading off in the direction of the Nelson pub on Lord Lane.

Brad said: “He has said he was in the Windmill and spoke to someone, who was discussing his watch.

“He has left there and was going towards the Nelson when someone has hit him and pushed him over, or he has fallen.

“The watch was in very good condition. He rarely wore it and kept it in its box. It was a diving watch. He was a diver himself with the SBS. We can’t understand why he was wearing it.

"He has probably only worn it a dozen times.

“It has upset all the family and we would appeal to anyone who has information to speak to the police.

"Frank, like some of his brothers, served his country, and does not deserve to be treated like this. He only told us about it a day after it happened.”

A GMP spokesman confirmed they were investigating and asked witnesses to contact them on 101, quoting reference 1116 April 5th.