POLICE are warning antiques dealers to be on their guard after thousands of pounds of valuable items were stolen from a house.

Antique figures, porcelain and silver items were taken during a raid on a property in the Stokesley area on Monday night.

North Yorkshire Police say the thieves will be looking to sell on the valuable works.

The items include a pair of Chinese Buddhist lions, two sets of Kangxi Dynasty vases, a pair of white crane figures, five 19th Century Coalport plates and an alabaster mantle clock.

Also taken were four three-legged silver salt cellars and a 19th Century "banjo" barometer.

Police yesterday appealed for anyone with information about the burglary, or who is offered any of the items, to call Northallerton CID on 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.