POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of an extremely rare piece of jewellery.

The regimental brooch of the 14th/20th King’s Hussars was stolen from a house in Burneston, near Bedale, North Yorkshire between Saturday, December 15 and Saturday, December 22.

The brooch is made from 9ct gold and set with diamond, two sapphires, a ruby and an enamelled crown. It is valued at several thousands of pounds.

The thieves also stole a large quantity of other jewellery including: an Art Deco antique white gold pendant set with many diamonds and a sapphire, a nine- carat gold ring with a mounted blue topaz stone, a set of pearls stitched onto pink ribbons, a Baccarat Pink Heart Pendant on a black silk rope, a nine-carat gold set Jade Ring, a nine-carat gold three stone ring diamond engagement ring, wedding rings, gold earrings and bracelets.

PC Quita Passmore, of Northallerton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The King’s Hussars brooch is a of great sentimental value to the owners and its theft has deeply upset them.

“If you know who committed this burglary or may have been offered any of the jewellery for sale, I urge you to come forward and contact the police or Crimestoppers straight away.”

Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is asked to contact Northallerton police on 101, press option 2 and ask for Quita Passmore. Alternatively information can be emailed to quita.passmore@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

You can also  call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 12120215636.