A widow is appealing for the return of a stolen clock which was made by her late husband for their son.

Susie MacMurray, who lives on Summerfield Place, Wilmslow, was burgled on Sunday, December 4.

The thief took a Vienna wall clock which had been made by her husband, John, who died five years ago from cancer.

John, who was principal trumpet player with the Halle Orchestra and taught at Chetham’s School of Music, had made two clocks for his sons Andy and Matthew before he died. The burglars took Andy’s clock.

Mum-of-two Susie said : “The clock is irreplaceable. Insurance money means nothing. It’s the only thing (Andy) has got left that's a bit of his dad because it was made by him.

“When you are a musician your work disappears, but this work was physical.”

The clock is a regulated wall clock in veneered oak, about 3.5ft long with a brass pendulum.

A gold medal awarded to John for 20 years service with the Halle Orchestra was also taken, as well as a collection of Dinky cars.

Artist Susie, who had been in London at her first solo exhibition when the offender forced open a kitchen window, said: “The police don’t think it was kids, they think it was professional. There was a television, computers, a digital SLR camera, but he didn’t take any of those things. He went straight for the clock. He probably thought it was antique, and then went upstairs and took the medal from a draw.”

She added: “I’m dreading telling Andy – I’m hoping it will be returned before he comes home for Christmas.

“It would be lovely if they turn up at a car boot or on eBay or something.”

Detectives investigating the burglary are appealing for anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area of Summerfield Place in Wilmslow between 8.45am on Friday,  December 2, and 12.45pm on Tuesday, December 6, to contact the Macclesfield Burglary team.

DS Tony King said: “This was a particularly distressing ordeal for her as this clock had great sentimental value.

“We would urge anyone with information on those responsible for the burglary to contact us on 101 quoting occurrence number CC11346516.

“Alternatively information can be given anonymously the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.”