THOUSANDS of pounds worth of china were among the items stolen from a house in County Durham yesterday morning.

Thieves who broke into the house in Auckland Park, near Bishop Auckland, escaped with a haul of Crown Derby china, including plates, a large bowl, candlesticks, and candelabra, some of which had been passed down through family members.

The raiders gained entry to the property on William Street, by smashing a ground floor window, and also stole a Toshiba lap top, a gold Albert chain and two watches.

PC Paul Ryans, appealed for anyone who was in the area yesterday morning and saw anything suspicious, to come forward.

"The householder wants to remain anonymous but is very distressed at the theft," he said.

"A lot of these items had great sentimental value.

"Whoever carried out this burglary must have had a bag or a box to carry the items out of the house and a vehicle to take them away.

"If anyone saw anything at all that raised suspicions, or has been offered such items for sale, they should contact police."

Call PC Ryans at Bishop Auckland CID on 0345-60-60-365, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.