POLICE are appealing for information about the theft of a gold neck chain from a Newton Aycliffe jewellers.

A man, posing as a customer, entered Taylor's Top Value store, in the Thames Centre, just before midday on Thursday.

He asked the sales assistant to remove a selection of jewellery from the display and picked out a gold chain. He tried it on, but left the shop without paying. The item was a 20in, nine-carat gold neck chain, valued at £262.

The man, believed to be local, is described as white, in his mid 20s and 5ft 11in. He had a thin build and black hair, which was short and straight.

He was wearing a light coloured polo-style shirt, with a black sweat-top and white trainers. He may have had a bandage on his left hand.

Anyone with any information about the theft is asked to contact Newton Aycliffe Police on (01325) 314401.