An elderly couple have been left heartbroken after irreplaceable jewellery was stolen in a burglary.

Thieves smashed their way into their home on Nab Close, Bollington, and ransacked every room.

They stole jewellery worth around £9,000 including a diamante coronet worn by the victim on her wedding day in 1960.

Other distinctive items included: a gold watch by Garrard engraved with a recognition for ‘15 years’ service to Unilever PLC’; an antique gold watch chain with gold sovereign which is more than 100 years old; gold cuff links with Chinese lucky inscription on the ovals; a collection of stickpins; an engagement ring with five diamonds in a half hoop; an engagement ring with square emerald with a single diamond each side; a gold bracelet; gold locket; gold cuff links with engine turned decoration on all four ovals; a stainless steel ‘Precision’ watch with radio timing and solar charging, and £250 cash was also taken.

The break-in took place between 2pm on December 15 and 4pm on December 19.

Pc Phill Tuck, from Macclesfield police, said that the burglary had caused ‘a great deal of upset and distress’ to the couple.

He said: “The elderly victims returned home to find the rear of their house had been severely damaged by the offenders who had attempted to force entry through the rear patio door but failed.

“The offenders then smashed their way through the rear UPVC kitchen door causing a huge amount of damage in gaining entry to the house where every room was entered and ransacked.

“The burglary occurred while the occupants were away visiting friends and family before the Christmas period.

“I am appealing to members of the public who may have been in the area of Nab Close, Bollington, between December 15 and 19 and seen any person or vehicle acting in a suspicious manner.

“I am also looking to hear from members of the public for information if they have seen or been offered any of the jewellery for sale.

The incident has caused the victims a great deal of upset and distress due to the items being irreplaceable.”

Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 101 quoting incident no 699 19/12/2015, or alternatively contact Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.