TWO thieves who called at a string of antique shops, claiming to be brothers looking for a "really nice gift" for their mother, were being hunted by police yesterday.

They told the same story at all the shops they visited in Barnard Castle, County Durham, before buying a £5 jug at one of them - and stealing two items worth a total of £450.

While one was discussing the jug with the woman owner, the other was helping himself to a Clarice Cliffe china face mask, worth £400, and an Asprey powder compact, priced at £50.

It was only after they left that the woman noticed the items had vanished She called the police, but by then the culprits had slipped out of town.

They were described as in their early twenties and both about 5ft 7in. One was fat and wearing a blue fleece and pale blue T-shirt, under which a crucifix tattoo could be seen. The other was slim and wearing a blue T-shirt. They both carried large blue bags.

PC Victoria Barnett, who is leading the hunt, said: "The pair called at several antique shops within a short space of time and claimed to be brothers looking for a really nice gift for their mother.

"When they eventually decided to buy the jug for £5, one kept the shop owner talking about it, while the other stole the two items."

The face mask was white, with a fringe of miniature red and orange flowers. The compact was silver-coloured and had the entwined initials HB engraved on the front.

Anyone who knows the two men, or who is offered the stolen items, is asked to call PC Barnett on 0845-606 0365.