AN ELDERLY woman has told of her relief after a neighbour who firebombed her Wirral home was convicted.

Beryl Geen, 82, of Acorn Close in Higher Bebington, lost all her possessions in the attack – and had been too ill to renew her house insurance weeks before.

Suzanne Martin, 48, was found guilty of arson with intent to endanger life at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday and was warned she could face a substantial sentence.

After the verdict Mrs Geen said she was relieved the case is now almost over as she had been lucky to get out of her bungalow in the usually peaceful area when it was set alight.

However, she said she had lost all photos of her husband of 43 years, John, who died almost two decades ago, as well as his extensive collection of classical music when the blaze gutted her home.

She said the fire had ripped through her small bungalow in minutes, destroying everything she owned, and added: “I was lucky to get out alive, lucky I had left my keys in the back door.

“Everything was gone, all my clothes and shoes as well.

“All I had was the nighty I was wearing. I lost my jewellery, and the locket John had given me.”