AN elderly man was devastated after thieves stole jewellery belonging to his wife who died two years ago.

The thieves stole two digital cameras and a jewellery box while the man was in his lounge.

The box contained all the jewellery his wife had accumulated over her lifetime, including a watch he bought her to commemorate 30 years' service with ICI.

The break in occurred on Friday between 5.45pm and 6.15pm, at the man's home on Birchwood Road in Marton, Middlesbrough.

The man, who does not want to be identified said: "I have resigned myself to the fact that I will not see many of the things stolen again, all I want is my wife's watch back, it has a real sentimental importance to me."

The watch is a Pierrepoint, 9 carat gold ladies watch, it carries the inscription 'Imperial Chemical Limited 30 years of service 1976.'

The victim added: "When I pass away I want my daughter to have her mother's watch, it is a unique item because of the inscription, if anyone has any information could they please pass it on to the police."

The victim has been provided with a home security pack and his house is also fitted with a burglar alarm.

He said: "It would of been no use here, I was in my home when they came in so I couldn't have my alarm on."

The victim had been cooking fish in his kitchen and had opened the window to let some air in, he returned to the window after watching the news to find the kitchen looking "disheveled".

He went into his bedroom and noticed the cameras and jewellery box were missing.

The man added: "We have asked the neighbours if anyone has seen anything but no one has, I am in close contact with the police."

Anyone with any information on the break in or who have been offered any of the items for sale is asked to contact PC Jeff Lillystone, of Middlesbrough Police, on 01642-303126 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.