A WIDOWER has been left devastated after thieves broke into his home and stole his wife's treasured wedding ring and charity cash.

Paul Derbyshire, of Ida Street, Norton, Teesside is demanding jewellery belonging to his late wife, Janet, be returned to him.

He had also raised the £700 for the MacMillan Nurses, because he was so impressed with the care they gave his wife.

Mrs Derbyshire died last November, but when the thieves struck on Tuesday, they took antique jewellery, her wedding ring, her sapphire and diamond engagement ring and an eternity ring, along with gold sovereigns.

The total amount of the thieves haul comes to more than £12,000, but Mr Derbyshire says he has paid the charity £700 out of his own pocket rather than see them go without.

Mr Derbyshire, whose first grandchild is due to be born any day, said his wife had wanted some of the stolen jewellery - a pair of earings - to go to the baby.

"They've taken videos and things that can be replaced, but the jewellery is different," he said.

"I was going to bury all the gold with her, but she said it had to go to the first grandchild."

Detectives investigating the crime have called it "despicable."

Detective Sergeant Adrian Bradley, from Stockton Police, said: "We view all burglaries as dreadful but this is a callous crime that is going to have a deep effect on somebody who is already suffering enough.

"Norton is a close community and people do know each other. We have got some leads that we are following."

Anyone with information is asked to call Stockton Police on (01642) 302226.