AN ELDERLY couple have spoken of their devastation after callous burglars stole family heirlooms worth thousands of pounds from their home.

The raid took place in Vindomora Road, Ebchester, near Consett, on Sunday, February 9, between 10.50am and 12.15pm.

Former church warden Robert Hurst, 69 and his wife Jean had taken their regular trip to the Sunday morning service at a nearby church.

The thieves broke in and smashed the burglar alarm to shut it off.

In under an hour and a half, they made off with a massive haul of more than 40 antiques and collectables.

This included family heirlooms and gifts from family and friends that held sentimental value for the couple.

They also stole £100 from two money boxes put aside for the couple's grandchildren and a stereo Mr Hurst had bought to mark his wife's birthday on February 13.

Mr Hurst, a former superintendent at the Rolls Royce plant in Gateshead, said: "We came back, I took one step into the hall and I knew. The whole house was a proper mess.

"My wife was in a terrible state. Some of the things stolen had been in her family since the time of her grandfather and great-grandfather.

"We are insured, but no amount of money can replace these items and their sentimental value to us."

Pieces stolen include a solid silver, 175-year-old tea set, a distinctive, dark oak Edwardian pendulum clock, a small lady's pistol and a curved sword with a carved oak cover.

The burglars packed the haul, including a collection of 18 Royal Doulton character jugs, in duvet covers and pillow cases taken from the home.

Det Con Sharon Flannery of Derwentside CID said: "The occupants are devastated by their loss.

"The house is on a busy main road and the burglary took place on a Sunday morning.

"Somebody must have seen a vehicle parked either on the drive, or close to the house."

Anyone with information should contact DC Flannery at Consett Police Station on (01207) 504204.