A COLLECTOR is appealing for the return of her cherished china collection which was snatched by thieves from her home.

Kathleen Corrigan had spent £15,000 over the past eight years building up a precious set of Aynsley porcelain which included several unique items.

With 190 pieces, she almost had the complete collection of the Orchard Gold design on display at her home in Boyne Street, Willington.

But it all vanished in just 25 minutes while she was on holiday last month.

A friend looking after the house returned from a short shopping trip and discovered the theft.

Ms Corrigan has appealed for help to catch the culprit yesterday and urged anyone with information to tell detectives.

She said: "I discovered I couldn't have children when I was diagnosed with cancer and the collection was my baby.

"I had gone on holiday after a difficult year and was heartbroken when it was taken.

"I used to go to the pottery at Stoke to pick up unusual and unique pieces and they can never be replaced.

"They were part of my nest egg to help me start a new life. I was only four pieces short of the full collection."

Anyone with information about the theft, which happened on December 15, should contact DC Joanne Wright at Bishop Auckland CID, telephone (01388) 603566.