A WOMAN who had jewellery given to her by her late husband stolen during a burglary is desperate to have it returned.

Margaret Holmes, 92, was asleep when intruders broke into her home in Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, and stole several irreplaceable items of sentimental value.

Items taken last month include an engagement ring, a gold bracelet bought by her husband when she was 15 years old and a ruby and diamond ring that she received on her 40th wedding anniversary.

Ms Holmes said the jewellery was a reminder of her husband who died twenty eight years ago.

Detective Constable Sarah Hindmarsh said: “This incident has affected not only Peggy and her family but the wider community and local officers.

“Peggy is a lovely lady, who has been left very shaken and is desperate to get her personal possessions back.

“This incident has touched lots of people on a personal note, many of us have elderly relatives or friends that this could have easily happened to.”

To help call police on 101.