EXCLUSIVE jewellery worth £70,000, including a Rolex watch worth £18,000, has been stolen in a jewellery raid in a quiet village.

The 18-carat watch, studded with 32 diamonds and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, is one of only two in the world - the other owned by former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham.

The jewellery was stolen from couple Michael and Susan Melton, who moved to Staindrop from Berkshire to open a tea shop just weeks ago. Among the haul was a man's watch worth £12,000 - and police believe the jewellery may be on sale on the black market for just a few pounds, because the thieves do not know their true value.

The couple have offered a substantial reward for their return.

Mrs Melton, 44, who is originally from the Darlington area, worked as the director of an insurance company before moving back to the North-East.

She said many of the items stolen were special gifts.

She said: "The theft has devastated us, because as well as the financial value, they have sentimental value, and all we want is to get them back."

Police believe the jewellery was stolen between 9am and 8pm on Monday, July 8, and have urged anyone with information to contact them.

Detective Constable Justin Thornberry, of Bishop Auckland CID, said: "This is a massive incident. I believe that whoever stole the goods probably doesn't realise the value of the goods and could possibly have sold them for a couple of hundred pounds in their local pub.

"We are asking anyone who may have been offered any of these goods, or who has bought them, to contact us.

"They can contact us anonymously through the Crimestoppers line, or put them in a blank envelope and drop them off at a police station."

Anyone with information can contact DC Thornberry on (01388) 603566, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

* Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of the jewellery and were helping police with their inquiries yesterday.

The haul includes:

* An oblong charcoal pattern purse with tan leather trim, with Louis Vuitton logo worth £200.

* Lady's 18-carat gold Rolex wristwatch, "Bezel" set with 32 diamonds and inlaid with mother of pearl face. One of only two ever made. Value £18,000.

* Man's rose gold Rolex wristwatch, with black face and rose gold numbers, giving the time and date. Value £12,000. Serial number A907130.

* Lady's gold and champagne diamond necklace with central teardrop-shaped diamond. Smaller diamonds interspersed in necklace. Matching ring also. Value £12,000.

* Matching earrings with gold and champagne diamonds, in daisy style. Value £5,500.

* Rolex classic rose gold 1932 wristwatch with brown leather strap and gold clasp. Value £5,000.

* Black/grey cloth pouch containing a pink sapphire and diamond set in rose gold necklace. Matching ring and earrings. Value £8,000.